Massive outbreak in Europe leads to top Leafs prospect testing positive for COVID-19
A nightmarish season for 2020 1st rounder Rodion Amirov continues, as the 20-year-old Leafs prospect is one of a large number of his teammates who has tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.
Amirov, who is currently on loan to Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the KHL, is believed to have contracted the virus amid a significant outbreak in Ufa's locker room that has approximately half of the team testing positive, according to a report. It is believed that the KHL will postpone at least Ufa's next two games.
The Russian winger spent a lengthy stretch on injured reserve for Ufa to start the season after reportedly breaking his collarbone following a nasty spill into the end boards during the KHL pre-sesason.
Amirov had additional injury issues upon his return, which had ultimately affected his conditioning, leading to head coach Toni Lamsa and assistant coach Viktor Kozlov both telling the Russian media that Amriov would be limited in terms of ice time until he is back in prime playing shape. So far, they have been true to their word, as Amirov's playing time has been much lower than expected.
A large contingent of Leafs Nation believes that the Leafs would be better served to handle Amirov's development on their own in North America, where they can keep a much closer eye on him and the details of his game. It's hard to argue to the contrary when he's been playing between 5 and 10 minutes per game for his KHL team.
At some point, his overall development will have to be viewed as a priority for the Leafs, and if having him in Toronto with the Marlies will allow the young winger to see more playing time, it will certainly have to be considered upon his return from COVID-19 protocol.
Amirov has been limited to just 10 games for Ufa this season, recording just 3 points over that span, playing mostly 3rd and 4th line roles.
