Rodion Amirov, Maple Leafs First-Round Draft Pick, Dies at 21

The Russian winger died Monday less than two years after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Former Maple Leafs first-round pick Rodion Amirov died Monday due to complications from a brain tumor, according to an announcement from the team. 

Amirov was 21 years old.

In a statement released by the team Monday, Maple Leafs president and alternate governor Brendan Shanahan said: 

“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.”

Amirov was the No. 15 pick in the first round of the 2020 NHL draft. The team announced he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in February ’22 after undergoing tests for a separate injury while on loan from the Maple Leafs in his native Russia. 

At the time of the announcement, Kyle Dubas, who was then Toronto’s general manager, indicated that Amirov had developed symptoms unrelated to his injury during his recovery that required “ongoing extensive investigations.”

Amirov’s agent, Dan Milstein, confirmed the player’s death in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“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,” Milstein wrote Monday. “We will always remember his courage, his desire, his will, his smile, all of the great things about him.”