The Vancouver Canucks have signed forward Ilya Safonov to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2026-27 season. The announcement was made by General Manager Ryan Johnson, who highlighted Safonov’s performance in Russia.
Ilya Safonov’s Impressive Track Record
At 25 years old, Safonov had a noteworthy season with Ak Bars Kazan in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He played 68 regular-season games and achieved 33 points, with a record of 16 goals and 17 assists.
Regular Season Statistics
- Games Played: 68
- Goals: 16
- Assists: 17
- Points: 33
- Penalty Minutes: 43
- Plus/Minus Rating: +18
Safonov’s goal tally placed him sixth on the Ak Bars team, while his impressive plus/minus rating ranked him fourth. Furthermore, he made significant contributions during the playoffs, helping his team reach the Gagarin Cup Final.
Playoff Performance
- Playoff Games: 20
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 7
- Points: 9
- Penalty Minutes: 12
With a height of 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 205 pounds, Safonov’s physical presence adds value to his playing style. Over his career in the KHL, he has participated in 331 games, accumulating a total of 128 points and a plus/minus rating of +68.
Career Overview
| Category | Regular Season | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 331 | 79 |
| Goals | 65 | 10 |
| Assists | 63 | 16 |
| Points | 128 | 26 |
| Penalty Minutes | 129 | 35 |
| Plus/Minus Rating | +68 | +22 |
Originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2021, Safonov has also represented Russia in various international competitions, including the Under-17 Hockey Challenge and the World Junior Hockey Championships.
Johnson expressed confidence in Safonov’s potential, stating that the forward will have every opportunity to compete for a roster spot at training camp. The Canucks look forward to seeing how Safonov’s skills translate to the NHL level.
