The 20-year-old Russian forward had begun the season with Salavat Yulaev Ufa in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) before sustaining an injury.
“New, unrelated symptoms that required ongoing extensive investigations” developed during Amirov’s injury recovery, the statement added.
According to the team, Amirov is undergoing treatment at a medical facility in Germany and will not play for the remainder of the season.
“Our medical staff has been involved throughout the process alongside Ufa’s and we are in direct contact with the facility on an ongoing basis to monitor his treatment and care,” the team’s statement said.
“Rodion has the complete support of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and we will continue to ensure he receives the best care possible throughout this process.”
‘Never give up’
“I want to stay positive, and I want people to think positively about me,” Amirov said.
“There are many other people that have their own sicknesses or illnesses. I want to show by example that I can give people hope.
“Never give up. The challenges you are given in life are for you to overcome,” he added.
Parrot was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in December 2018, undergoing 12 rounds of chemotherapy before announcing in July 2019 that he had “won” against cancer.
“In the past month, I’ve seen how he’s [Amirov] even more impressive off the ice as he is on it,” Milstein said.
Milstein later posted a photo of Amirov on Twitter, including an email address where fans could send their well-wishes.