Maple Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov dies at 21 after brain tumour diagnosis

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov has died after being diagnosed with a brain tumour last year. He was 21.

The Maple Leafs confirmed the left-winger died Monday in Munich, Germany, where he had been receiving treatment. They also posted a tribute to Amirov on Scotiabank Arena's outdoor video board.

"The entire Maple Leafs organization is devastated by this tragic loss," said Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan in a statement. "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."

Amirov signed a three-year entry-level contract with Toronto in April 2021 after being selected 15th overall by the NHL club in the 2020 draft.

In February 2022, former Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas announced Amirov had been diagnosed with a brain tumour and was undergoing treatment. He missed the entire 2022-23 season as he underwent treatment and recovery.

Amirov extended his contract with his hometown Salavat Yulaev in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League on May 10 after the Maple Leafs agreed to a one-year loan for the 2023-24 season.

"It's incredibly sad to see a young man with so much promise taken from us so soon," said Shanahan. "We offer our deepest condolences to Rodion's family and friends as we mourn this loss together."

Amirov had 10 goals and 18 points in 70 games for Salavat Yulaev over three KHL seasons. He also had two goals and four assists for Russia at the 2021 men's world junior hockey championship.

"From the moment he received the news [of his tumour], he refused to speak in the negative, determined to enjoy every day, facing it with the same positive attitude he showed during