In 2020 the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Rodion Amirov in the first round. The Leafs had high hopes for Amirov in the NHL, and then tragedy struck. Amirov began to struggle with health issues before being diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Sadly, this has caused Amirov's career come to a halt. In February of 2022, Amirov underwent surgery and to this day he continues to undergo treatment.
After a lot of negative news, Salavat Yulaev Ufa's General Director Rinat Bashirov issued the first positive news on Amirov.
He continues treatment, there is a positive trend. He has full confidence that he will go on the ice. Of course, if Rodion played for us, it would be a completely different team. I can tell that he has matured a lot. He continues to work, his parents and we support him very much, and, of course, Rodion took the signing of the contract positively. We pray for him. I believe that he will return, we are all waiting for him.
This is a very positive sign and a great message for everyone struggling with cancer. Amirov continues to be positive and remains very positive about his hockey future.