Huge update from Rodion Amirov.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Maple Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov received some terrifying news earlier this year when it was revealed that the 20 year old Russian forward had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

The stunning news made waves in the hockey world when it was announced in February of this year, and although he received a ton of love sympathy from fans Amirov wasn't about to feel sorry for himself. In what was an incredible display of both maturity and courage, Amirov made it clear that he didn't want anyone to feel sorry for him but instead wanted to be viewed as an inspiration to others who struggle with their own illnesses in life.

“There are many other people that have their own sicknesses or illnesses. I want to show by example that I can give people hope,” said Amirov as per Sportsnet at the time of his diagnosis.

The young man was certainly setting a very high bar for himself but considering the fact that he had already risen through the ranks of the hockey world to become a first round pick (selected 15th overall by the Maple Leafs at the 2020 NHL Entry Draft) he is obviously someone used to facing challenges head on.

On Saturday we received what appears to be some excellent news directly from Amirov himself when he published what appears to be a very positive photograph via his Instagram account. In the photograph, which was accompanied by a caption that simply read "I'm here," Amirov can be seen flexing his bicep with a giant smile on his face.

Amirov appears to be traveling with his team, Ufa Salavat Yulayev of the Kontinental Hockey League, on their very first road trip of their regular season. To be clear Amirov has not yet been cleared to play, the original prognosis had him returning sometime later this year, but this has to be viewed as an excellent sign of the progress he has made since receiving such a terrible diagnosis this year.