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The 4-3 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday was the furthest thing on the minds of the Toronto Maple Leafs and their fans on Wednesday, as it was revealed by the club and agent Daniel Milstein that 2020 first round pick Rodion Amirov was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Official statement re: Rodion Amirov’s health. #WeAreGoldStar! pic.twitter.com/9XcqRzpUxd
— Dan Milstein-Hockey (@HockeyAgent1) February 23, 2022
“Rodion commenced the 2021-22 season with Salavat Ufa of the KHL, but suffered an injury to open the season. During the course of his recovery from this injury, he developed some new, unrelated symptoms that required ongoing extensive investigations over the last few months.… Leafs GM Kyle Dubas said in a press release. “Rodion is currently undergoing treatment at a medical facility in Germany and will not return to play for the remainder of the season. Our medical staff has been involved throughout the process alongside Ufa’s and we are in direct contact with the facility on an ongoing basis to monitor his treatment and care.
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.…
In an interview with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the 20-year-old winger stressed maintaining a positive attitude.
“There are many other people that have their own sicknesses or illnesses. I want to show by example that I can give people hope,… Amirov said. “They can see what I am doing, they hopefully take some positives. I am positive. I want to feel that I can play in the best hockey league in the world.…
Amirov underwent his first course of chemotherapy this week, but is determined to keep practicing and working out.
“The doctors support [that] I continue on. I shoot, work on my hands, basically the same drills I would do normally, but by myself.…Amirov said. “My faith in God gives me the strength and confidence to believe I will overcome.…
If you like to send well wishes to Rodion please e mail at Amirov@goldstarhockey.com #WeAreGoldStar! pic.twitter.com/DkxyCjWrHv
— Dan Milstein-Hockey (@HockeyAgent1) February 23, 2022
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Lot’s of â¤ï¸ for the 💙ðŸ¤
— Norman James (@IamNormanJames) April 26, 2021
Convo on Podcast.#theleafsconvo https://t.co/Xdn3CDLVCI