Reporter Reveals the Best Tribute the Maple Leafs can do to honor Rodion Amirov

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Tyler Ball
August 15, 2023 (8:52 PM)

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Rodion Amirov passed away on Monday at the age of 21. He was taken far too soon after a battle against a brain tumor.

The announcement was shocking and saddening to the entire hockey world including the Toronto Maple Leafs who drafted Amirov in 2020.

KHL Honors Amirov

Salavat Yulaev Ufa and the arena where Amirov played in the KHL are currently the site of a memorial set up by fans for Amirov.

There was also a moment of silence before a KHL game between Ak Bars and Traktor. His loss has had a massive effect on people all over the world.

Reporter Details How Toronto Maple Leafs May Honor Amirov

The Leafs and their fans will likely set up a memorial outside the stadium similar to the one done with his home club team.

A moment of silence at one of their first games will also likely be on the table. Another honor was brought to the table by The Score's Kyle Cushman as well.

Cushman has proposed an idea to honor Amirov this season and beyond. Cushman floated the idea of the Leafs retiring Amirov's number.

While Amirov never played for the Leafs he wore the number 27 while playing in the KHL. For the Leafs 27 belonged to two Leaf greats Frank Mahovlich and Darryl Sittler. This would've likely meant that Amirov would have worn number 72 with the Leafs.

Retiring #72 would not cause that many issues as it is not that popular of a number in hockey and is not currently worn by a Maple Leaf

The number has only been worn by two players in the history of the franchise Mathieu Schneider and Travis Boyd.

While this would be a great way to honor Amirov and his impact on the organization and the people in it he didn't ever play for the Leafs. Some may find that this disqualifies him from having a number retired.

Many franchises including the Leafs have done this before for players who had passed away due to extenuating circumstances.

The Leafs will likely find a way to honor Amirov and retiring his number should absolutely be in consideration.