Maple Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov diagnosed with brain tumour

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, general manager Kyle Dubas announced in a statement Wednesday.

The tumour was discovered while Amirov was undergoing treatment for an unrelated injury earlier this season. He is undergoing treatment for the tumour in Germany and will not play for the remainder of this season.

“Our medical staff has been involved throughout the process alongside Ufa’s and we are in direct contact with the facility on an ongoing basis to monitor his treatment and care,” Dubas said. “Rodion has the complete support of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and we will continue to ensure he receives the best care possible throughout this process.”

Amirov, 20, was a first-round pick by the Maple Leafs (15th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft. The small, skilled forward is currently playing in the KHL for Ufa Salavat Yulayev, where he had one goal and three points in 10 games this season. In three parts of seasons with Ufa, Amirov has 10 goals and 18 points in 70 games.

“I want to stay positive, and I want people to think positively about me,” he said in an interview with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. “There are many other people that have their own sicknesses or illnesses. I want to show by example that I can give people hope.”

“Rodion is in good spirits and is determined to return back to professional hockey,” his agent Dan Milstein said in a statement, adding that Amirov is skating three times a week in Germany. “Supported by two first-class organizations, we will do everything we can to help Rodion and his family during this difficult time.”

The Salavat native represented Russia at the 2021 World Junior Hockey Championships where he had two goals and six points in seven games to lead his team in scoring.

The Maple Leafs and Amirov signed a three-year, entry-level contract on April 15, 2021.

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