The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Sports›Hockey›Rodion Amirov
Sports • Hockey

Rodion Amirov

Rodion Ruslanovich Amirov was a Russian professional ice hockey forward.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Rodion Ruslanovich Amirov was a Russian professional ice hockey forward who played for Salavat Yulaev Ufa in the Kontinental Hockey League and was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. He died in 2023 at age 21 after a brain tumour diagnosis.

Early life

Amirov was born in Salavat, in the Russian republic of Bashkortostan, in 2001. Sources identify him as Russian and also note Bashkir-language forms of his name.

Club career

He developed within the Salavat Yulaev Ufa system and played professionally for the club in the KHL. NHL and scouting sources describe him as an offensively creative winger with notable junior and pro experience in Russia.

NHL draft

In October 2020, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Amirov 15th overall in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft. He was widely regarded as one of the top Russian prospects in his draft class.

Illness and death

In 2022, Amirov stepped away from hockey while undergoing treatment for a brain tumour. The Maple Leafs confirmed that he died in Munich, Germany, on 14 August 2023, at age 21.

Key facts

  • Rodion Amirov was a Russian professional ice hockey forward.
  • He played for Salavat Yulaev Ufa in the KHL.
  • The Toronto Maple Leafs selected him 15th overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
  • He was diagnosed with a brain tumour and died in 2023 at age 21.
  • Coverage described him as a highly skilled prospect with strong puck-handling and agility.
🍁
Canadian context

Amirov was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs, making him a notable figure for Canadian hockey fans and a prospect closely followed in Canadian NHL coverage.[1][8]

Frequently asked questions

Who was Rodion Amirov?
Rodion Amirov was a Russian professional ice hockey forward who played for Salavat Yulaev Ufa and was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2020.
When was Rodion Amirov born?
He was born on 2 October 2001.
Which NHL team drafted Rodion Amirov?
The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted him 15th overall in the first round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
What position did Rodion Amirov play?
He played as a forward, primarily listed as a left wing.
How did Rodion Amirov die?
He died after being diagnosed with a brain tumour; reports said he died in Munich, Germany, at age 21.
What team did Rodion Amirov play for in the KHL?
He played for Salavat Yulaev Ufa in the Kontinental Hockey League.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodion_Amirov
    Supports: Birth and death dates, nationality, position, KHL team, and 2020 NHL draft selection.
  2. National Hockey League — https://www.nhl.com/player/rodion-amirov-8482099
    Supports: Birth place, draft position, position, and early career notes.
  3. Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/518585/rodion-amirov
    Supports: Position, place of birth, handedness, draft selection, and death notice.
  4. CBC Sports — https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/rodion-amirov-death-brain-tumour-maple-leafs-1.6936039
    Supports: Death, age, brain tumour diagnosis, and Maple Leafs confirmation.
  5. The Athletic — https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2229651/2020/12/09/rodion-amirov-profile-maple-leafs/
    Supports: Scouting profile, draft context, and prospect evaluation.
  6. The Hockey Writers — https://thehockeywriters.com/docs/rodion-amirov/
    Supports: Basic biographical and draft facts.