Remembering a courageous Maple Leafs prospect one year after his tragic passing

Drafted 15th overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Amirov was touted as a highly skilled and very promising two-way forward for the Leafs. Unfortunately, in February of 2022, it was revealed that he had been diagnosed with brain cancer and his career had to be put on hold.

While Amirov remained around his KHL team, Ufa Salavat Yulayev, and made visits to Toronto to take part in activities with the Leafs, he slowly had to stop participating as his health continued to deteriorate. Sadly, after fighting with everything that he had, Amirov passed away on August 14th, 2023.

On the one-year anniversary of his death earlier this week, his KHL team posted a touching tribute on their Instagram page.

Amirov's sister also shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram as well, remembering her brother a year after his passing.

It was a tragic reminder at the time, and still is, just how short life can be, but how Amirov handled his situation with grace, compassion and kindness throughout is a constant reminder that you can find the positive in any situation. While he is no longer with us, he will always be remembered.

Source: HockeyDB Rodion Amirov player profile