The Vancouver Canucks have signed Russian forward Ilya Safonov to a one-year, two-way contract. This is the first player signing for the newly appointed Canucks general manager, Ryan Johnson, who believes the 25-year-old can compete at the NHL level. “Ilya had a solid year in Russia and a strong playoff. We like his size and player profile, and he will be given every opportunity to compete for a spot at training camp,” said Johnson following the signing. Safonov played 68 games with Ak Bars Kazan
of the KHL during the 2025-26 season, tallying 33 points, including 16 goals and 43 penalty minutes. During post-season play, Safonov registered nine points (two goals, seven assists) in 20 games en route to the Gagarin Cup Final. The 6’4” Moscow native has appeared in 331 KHL games and has recorded 128 points, 129 penalty minutes and carries a +68 on ice rating. Safonov has represented his country on the international stage, including the 2021 World Junior Hockey Championships. Safonov was selected by the Chicago
Blackhawks 172nd overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Vancouver Canucks, Ilya Safonov, Ryan Johnson, KHL, Ak Bars Kazan, Gagarin Cup Final, one-year two-way contract, Chicago Blackhawks, 2021 NHL Entry Draft, training camp
two-way contract lol ok but can he actually skate in the NHL?
So Ryan Johnson already signed a Russian guy and people are acting like it fixes everything? I don’t get it. Also 43 penalty minutes sounds like a lot, is that good or nah.
Wait Safonov was drafted by the Blackhawks? I thought he was already in the NHL or something. Two-way means he’s basically gonna bounce between leagues right? Not sure how that helps a rebuild.
Canucks really picking up another KHL forward like that’s the magic answer. +68 on ice rating sounds made up, like how is anyone measuring that for real. And Gagarin Cup Final?? I’ve heard that name but still, training camp is where dreams go to die. I guess we’ll see if he can hang with NHL speed, but I’m skeptical.