Maple Leafs prospect Amirov passes away at 21

*Photo from CNN*

   Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov has passed away at the age of 21, according to an announcement by the team on Monday.

   Toronto president Brendan Shanahan said in a statement that "The entire Maple Leafs organization is devastated by this tragic loss. Over the duration of his courageous battle, Rodion's positivity inspired everyone around him, and he made lasting impressions with our team and fans in his brief visits to Toronto. It's incredibly sad to see a young man with so much promise taken from us so soon. We offer our deepest condolences to Rodion's family and friends as we mourn this loss together."

   In February of 2022, Amirov was diagnosed with a brain tumor. A former first round pick, Amirov was playing in the KHL in Russia before sustaining an injury. During the recovery for that injury, he developed different symptoms, leading to the discovery of a tumor in his brain.

   Amirov attended the Maple Leafs season opener for the 2022-2023 season and was included in player introductions. He was also recognized by the team during their hockey fights cancer night in November 2022 after he had completed a 4th round of Chemotherapy.

   Dan Milstein, Amriov's agent, said that "From the moment he received the news, he refused to speak in the negative, determined to enjoy every day, facing it with the same positive attitude he showed during his hockey career. We will always remember his courage, his desire, his will, his smile, all of the great things about him."

   In April of 2021, Amirov and the Maple Leafs agreed to an entry level contract. In 39 games for Salavat of the KHL at the time, he had 9 goals and 4 assists to rank him 3rd in the KHL among under 20 skaters in points.

   Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas, who drafted Amirov, said in a statement that "Personally, I am so sad for the loss of such a wonderful young man with so much potential. His unabashed positivity, even when faced with an awful diagnosis, will stay with me forever. Rodion was such an example of courage and I am certain that his spirit has touched and will live on in everyone lucky enough to have known him."

   At the 2021 World Junior Championships, Amirov served as the captain for team Russia and had 6 points in 7 games. He won a silver medal with team Russia at the 2019 under 18 World Championships. He never suited up in an NHL game.