Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Matthew Knies (#23) takes part in the final scrimmage to end the club’s development camp. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov has accompanied HC Salavat for their season-opening road trip, the club announced on their official Instagram on Friday morning. The team also listed Amirov in a press release [https://hcsalavat.ru/en/news/raspisanie-igr-i-sostav-salavata-na-pervyy-vyezd-sezona/] on its website, featuring a photo of the Russian forward flexing his arm. The trip is significant, considering Amirov did not accompany the club for a pre-season tournament in Kazan. On Feb. 23, the Maple Leafs announced that the 20-year-old prospect was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Last month, he told Russian newspaper Sport Express that he was expecting a return in November, with the possibility of October [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPF6YoZ9Hp4]. His agent, Dan Milstein, declined to comment when asked if Amirov's return was imminent. The Maple Leafs selected Amirov with their first-round pick (15th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft. The forward had just one goal and three points in 10 games with Salavat during the 2021-22 season. After he was hit in the head during a regular-season game, his season came to an end as tests revealed his brain tumor diagnosis. He spoke candidly [https://www.si.com/nhl/maple-leafs/news/maple-leafs-prospect-amirov-hopes-for-november-return-after-brain-tumor-diagnosis#:%7e:text=As%20issues%20persisted%2C%20Amirov%20began,23.] about his recovery process and about the support he received from his friends, family and the Maple Leafs. A return to action this weekend would be a huge step in his return to a normal life. But just being healthy enough to join the team as a manner of moral support is a win in itself. Further Reading Mike Babcock Resigns as Head Coach of University of Saskatchewan Men's Hockey Team [https://www.si.com/nhl/maple-leafs/news/mike-babcock-resigns-as-head-coach-of-university-of-saskatchewan-mens-hockey-team] How Rasmus Sandin Can Gain Leverage With the Maple Leafs [https://www.si.com/nhl/maple-leafs/analysis/how-rasmus-sandin-can-gain-leverage-with-the-maple-leafs] Maple Leafs Prospect Niemela Has World Juniors Winning Goal Snatched Away by Unbelievable Defensive Play [https://www.si.com/nhl/maple-leafs/news/maple-leafs-prospect-niemela-has-tournament-winning-goal-taken-away-by-unbelievable-defensive-play]
