Maple Leafs first-round pick Rodion Amirov diagnosed with brain tumor

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Wednesday that 2020 first-round pick Rodion Amirov has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and is currently receiving treatment in Germany.

Amirov, 20, was the 15th overall selection just 16 months ago and has been considered one of Toronto’s top prospects. A report from Sportsnet revealed Amirov is currently undergoing chemotherapy for the malignant tumor.

Sadly, Amirov is the third player with NHL ties diagnosed with cancer in past number of years, including Pittsburgh Penguins forward Brian Boyle (chronic myelogenous leukemia) and Philadelphia Flyers forward Oskar Lindblom (Ewing’s sarcoma).

Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas said that Amirov suffered an injury at the beginning of this season and it was during that recovery that he developed new, unrelated symptoms that required “ongoing extensive investigations over the last few months.”

“Our medical staff has been involved throughout the process alongside [KHL Salavat 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.”

The Maple Leafs, who signed him to a three-year entry-level contract last spring, said Amirov will not return to play for the remainder of the season.

Amirov’s agent, Dan Milstein of Gold Star Sports Management, thanked the Maple Leafs and Ufa in a statement for their “incredible support.”

“He is skating three times per week and working out every day,” Milstein said. “Rodion is in good spirits and is determined to return back to professional hockey.”