A heartbreaking update on the health of Leafs 1st rounder Rodion Amirov

NHL player agent Dan Milstein has announced that his client Rodion Amirov, a 1st round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has left Toronto and has returned home to Russia to be with his family. 

Amirov, for those who don't know, was diagnosed with a brain tumor this past February and has been undergoing chemotherapy treatments for months now

From Milstein and Gold Star Hockey:

"Rodion Amirov has returned home and is with his family."

"Unfortunately, at the moment Rodion cannot train, as he is undergoing additional treatments. We would like to thank the Toronto Maple Leafs and Salavat Yulaev Ufa for their incredible support and willingness to do everything necessary for Rodion's comfort."

- Dan Milsten, Gold Star HHockey

Absolutely brutal. Obviously we wish this young man nothing but the best in his battle.

He's just 21 years old and has shown flashes of elite NHL-level skill, the problem is that he has barely played in the last calendar year due to his tumor. He played just 10 games for Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the KHL last season, putting up one goal and three points. It was hoped that he'd be able to get some games in with the Leafs' AHL affiliate Toronto Marlies this season but... well I don't think anyone is holding their breath on that now. Obviously the most important thing for Amirov is to get fully healthy. Once his health is in order then he can worry about hockey again. And given the crazy demands from Toronto's media and the team's fanbase, I'd be concerned with Amirov when he does get back in playing shape. This kid has been through the ringer and if he can manage to get back on the ice, I urge fans to be patient with him. Yes, he's a former 15th overall pick and was projected to be an NHL goal scorer, but he has had nearly a full year of development taken away from him and his body has been put through the extreme rigors of chemotherapy treatment. All this while his body is still growing. While other 21 year old prospects have been working on adding muscle and getting into "NHL shape" Amirov has been undergoing radiation treatment. Let's cut him some slack, shall we?