Leafs with heartfelt tribute to late Rodion Amirov and his family

During the 2020 National Hockey League Entry Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs drafted a young man out of Salavat, Russia, by the name of Rodion Amirov. Amirov played three years with Ufa Salavat Yulayev, then was tragically diagnosed with cancer that ultimately took his life at the young age of 21.

This evening, with his family in attendance, Amirov was honoured by the club that drafted him and was with him through his diagnosis and ultimately through the final moments of his life. Have a look:


Times like this make us realize that players are humans and that the game isn't as big as real-life moments, especially when it comes to health.


Although Amirov was drafted by the previous regime in Toronto, good on them for taking the time to show the respect the youngsters family deserves.

It's truly tragic what happened to Amirov and his family, through it all though, the Toronto Maple Leafs have proved that they're not only a first class organization on the ice, but off it as well.

The amount of support that has been shown to the Amirov family is truly heartwarming, he certainly is a player that made an impact wherever he went, and even though he never played an NHL game, his impact was felt across the Leafs team.