Leafs hoping to have a surprise addition to training camp roster
During his opening press conference at training camp, Kyle Dubas provided an update on 2020 first round pick Rodion Amirov. As we all know, Amirov has been in chemotherapy since being diagnosed last year with brain cancer. Full of positivity throughout his treatments, Amirov was able to join his KHL team, Salavat Yulaev, on their opening road trip and even practiced with the team.
In his last interview, Amirov was aiming to return to playing in November, but it appears he could be back playing sooner than expected. During his press conference, Dubas announced that Amirov is now done his final round of chemotherapy and the Leafs are now working to see if he is able to travel to Toronto to train and play.
Technically, Amirov is still on loan to his KHL team so there are a few hoops the Leafs and Salavat will have to jump through to allow Amirov to come to Toronto, but the fact the Leafs are already working to make it happen is a very good sign that Amirov is ahead of schedule.
Even if he is unable to join the Leafs and Marlies immediately, if he returns to game action in November, he will likely find himself with the Marlies at the end of the KHL season - something that nobody would've expected last year when he was diagnosed.
