The statement reads in full:

It is we great sadness that we announce the passing of Rodion Amirov. Two years ago, Rodion was diagnosed with a brain tumour. 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. We will always remember his courage, his desire, his will, his smile, all of the great things about him. We’d like to thank his doctors, who took great care of him. We’d like to thank the Toronto Maple Leafs and his KHL - Salavat Yulayev Ufa team. Both did everything possible to help in any way, do whatever was necessary for Rodion and the Amirov family. And we’d like to thank hockey fans all over the world who sent notes of encouragement and best wishes over the past two years. They meant so much to the Amirov family.

Rodion Ruslanovich Amirov was born on October 2, 2001. He was 21 years old.

Amirov is survived by his family, the staff and players of Salavat Yulaev Ufa and the Toronto Maple Leafs as well as all of his friends around the world. We shall miss him with all of our hearts.

Amirov was born in Salavat, Russia and played for Salavat Yulaev Ufa as his club team. It was his home in many ways. He eventually played 70 games at the highest level in the KHL and he represented Russia four times as a junior, taking a silver medal in the U18 tournament. 

He was drafted by the Maple Leafs in 2020, and immediately became our player, our prospect, our young star. He was signed to an NHL contract in 2021, and the Maple Leafs announced him as part of the team at their home opener last October, and so he will remain now and for all time, a Maple Leaf forever. 

Our deepest condolences to his family and to all who loved him.