4. Rodion Amirov
Age: 21
Height/Weight: 6′ 167 lbs
Position: Left Wing
Shoots: Left
Draft: 1st round 15th overall 2020
The Toronto Maple Leafs made the intelligent, hard-working and talented Amirov their first pick in the 2020 draft, and considering how often the Leafs trade their pick or move down, you have to assume they really, really like him.
Unfortunately, this past year saw Amirov diagnosed with a brain tumor after he was hit in a game and later experienced symptoms of what was thought to be a concussion. We aren’t doctors, so we are ranking him where we would if he was healthy and his future was not uncertain.
Amirov has finished chemotherapy and in this interview he discusses his hope to return to the ice by November. In Kyle Dubas’ press conference at the start of Training Camp, he said (and I’m paraphrasing off of memory) that the Leafs hope to consult with his doctors after he is done chemo and bring him over here to train and play.
That sounds like he could be joining the Marlies when he’s ready, but he also had his loan to the KHL extended (possibly for medical reasons, however), so I don’t think anything is finalized.
The fact is, I have no idea how to evaluate a player in this situation, and I only hope that he recovers and is able to live a long and healthy life.
If Rodian Amirov was healthy, this is where I’d rank him. The Leafs 4th best prospect, down one spot from last year due to the stellar play of Topi Niemella.
Last year when we wrote up his report, we listed some quotes, and I think they’re worth repeating.
"Like all Leafs prospects, Amirov is a smart player, but here is a cross section of quotes from his various scouting reports: “One of the best two-way players eligible for the 2020 draft” – Dobber “The strength of Amirov’s game is in his ability to protect the puck and change directions with control,” – Scott Wheeler, the Athletic “Some of the best skill in the draft,” -Chris Peters, ESPN “Elite Stickhandler,” – Steve Koumiamos, the Draft Analyst."
We hope the best for Amirov, but his hockey career seems unimportant at this moment. If he is healthy and can still live a full life, that’s a great outcome. If he ever plays in the NHL, it will be one of the most inspiring stories in the history of the league.