Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor last February, joined fellow Ufa Salavat Yulayev on the team’s first trip to the League this season. Hockey League (KHL).
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The organization posted a photo of the 20-year-old striker on its social media.
However, he was not part of his team’s training for Saturday’s match against SKA Saint Petersburg. Last month, during an interview with a Russian media, Amirov indicated that he hoped to be able to return to the game in November or December.
Doctors discovered the tumor of the 15th overall pick in the 2020 draft while he was being followed for another injury. The skater then underwent treatment in Germany and obviously did not complete his campaign.
“I want to stay positive and I want people to think of me positively,” he told Sportsnet at the time.
“There are many other people living with the disease. I want to be an example and give people hope. […] They can see what I do and take positives from it, added the hockey player. I’m in a good frame of mind. I still want to believe that I will be able to play in the best league in the world.
Amirov had one goal and two assists for three points in 10 games before his season ended prematurely. In 70 games over three KHL seasons, he hit the target 10 times and provided eight assists for 18 points.