Ever since the Leafs reported that prospect Rodion Amirov had been diagnosed with a brain tumor in February of 2022, hockey has been the secondary concern, with the primary concern being about the health of the young winger. The entire hockey world had rallied behind Amirov this past season, with a number of players listing Amirov as who they are fighting for during Hockey Fights cancer events, Alex Ovechkin being one of those players.
Even now, after Amirov's passing, nobody in Leafs Nation is thinking about hockey. Only about the loss of a 21-year-old, who had his whole life ahead of him, being ripped away from this world far too soon.
One Montreal Canadiens fan took to social media on Monday, acknowledging that it is far too soon to even begin thinking about the hockey side of Amirov's unfortunate and untimely death and what it means for the Leafs. This individual had suggested that the Leafs should be awarded a compensatory 1st round pick following Amirov's tragic passing, as he himself was a 1st round pick in 2020.
"After his death, the New York Rangers sought compensation in the form of an extra draft pick from the NHL. As Cherepanov had not agreed to terms with the club at the time of his death, the team claimed that he was technically eligible to be selected in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, and they were entitled to compensation. The team was eventually awarded the 17th selection of the second round in the 2009 draft, after the Rangers' proposal was approved by the rest of the league. NHL general managers also voted to adopt a rule change, dubbed the "Cherepanov rule" that would see any future teams receive compensation if a prospect selected in the first round dies before signing a contract."
I understand why these conversations are occurring. I do. But, in my opinion, this certainly isn't the appropriate time for these types of discussions. I don't speak for everyone in Leafs Nation, but I don't think anyone is even considering a whether or not the Leafs have a right to a compensatory draft pick right now. We're all simply heartbroken over the loss of a young man who had what should have been a very bright future taken from him. We mourn his passing and send our thoughts, prayers and condolences to his family, friends and anyone else who loved him. This is about more than hockey and it always has been. Hockey is just a game and some things, suffice it to say, are bigger than a game.
