The idea that the Leafs deserve a compensatory draft pick following the loss of Rodion Amirov needs to stop
Ever since the Leafs reported that prospect Rodion Amirov had been diagnosed with a brain tumor in February of 2022, hockey has been the secondary concern, with the primary concern being about the health of the young winger. The entire hockey world had rallied behind Amirov this past season, with a number of players listing Amirov as who they are fighting for during Hockey Fights cancer events, Alex Ovechkin being one of those players.
Even now, after Amirov's passing, nobody in Leafs Nation is thinking about hockey. Only about the loss of a 21-year-old, who had his whole life ahead of him, being ripped away from this world far too soon.
One Montreal Canadiens fan took to social media on Monday, acknowledging that it is far too soon to even begin thinking about the hockey side of Amirov's unfortunate and untimely death and what it means for the Leafs. This individual had suggested that the Leafs should be awarded a compensatory 1st round pick following Amirov's tragic passing, as he himself was a 1st round pick in 2020.
Another patron was quick to point out that there is a pre-existing NHL rule that may make such a gesture from the NHL impossible.
I understand why these conversations are occurring. I do. But, in my opinion, this certainly isn't the appropriate time for these types of discussions. I don't speak for everyone in Leafs Nation, but I don't think anyone is even considering a whether or not the Leafs have a right to a compensatory draft pick right now. We're all simply heartbroken over the loss of a young man who had what should have been a very bright future taken from him. We mourn his passing and send our thoughts, prayers and condolences to his family, friends and anyone else who loved him. This is about more than hockey and it always has been. Hockey is just a game and some things, suffice it to say, are bigger than a game.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 15 | 295 ANSWERS The idea that the Leafs deserve a compensatory draft pick following the loss of Rodion Amirov needs to stop Should the Leafs alter their uniforms this season to honour Rodion Amirov with a special patch or decal of some sort? | ||
| Absolutely | 162 | 54.9 % |
| Yes, but maybe not for the whole year | 44 | 14.9 % |
| They should retire his jersey number (#72) | 12 | 4.1 % |
| No, but they should do something else for him | 77 | 26.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
