Leafs prospect Amirov diagnosed with brain tumor

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, general manager Kyle Dubas announced in a statement Wednesday.

"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," Dubas said.

Amirov is currently at a medical facility in Germany undergoing treatment. The forward, who's with his family, won't return to play for the remainder of the campaign.

"He is skating three times per week and working out every day," Amirov's agent, Dan Milstein, said in a statement. "Rodion is in good spirits and is determined to return back to professional hockey."

Amirov said he's focused on keeping a positive outlook.

"Never give up," he told Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, as translated by Milstein. "The challenges you are given in life are for you to overcome.

"Always stay positive."

The 20-year-old winger produced a goal and two helpers in 10 KHL games this season. A year earlier, he led Russia with six points in seven contests at the world juniors.

The Maple Leafs drafted Amirov 15th overall in 2020.

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