Canucks Prospect Ilya Safonov Heading Back to Russia

Disappointing Canucks player is headed back to Russia

When the Vancouver Canucks signed Ilya Safonov last summer, he appeared to be a depth piece with a chance to play NHL games. The 25-year-old had completed six seasons in the KHL, scoring 33 points (16-17-33) in 68 games with Kazan Ak-Bars in 2025-26. He added nine points (2-7-9) in 20 playoff games. While those aren’t prolific numbers, Safonov’s size was intriguing, standing at 6-foot-5 and 222 pounds. Safonov failed to make Vancouver’s lineup o…

Canucks prospect Ilya Safonov heading back to Russia

The big Russian centre wanted to play in the NHL but obviously didn’t see it happening soon

Abbotsford Canucks Forward Ilya Safonov Reportedly Headed Back To The KHL

Ilya Safonov is headed back to the KHL. According to a report from Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie and Dhali, the Russian forward has left the Abbotsford Canucks and is headed back home. At the time of writing, it is unknown what KHL team Safonov will join, but he has spent his entire pro career in Russia with Ak Bars Kazan.Safonov signed a one-year contract with the Canucks this past off-season. He started the year in the AHL with Abbotsford, where he …

Agent confirms that Ilya Safonov has left the Abbotsford Canucks

Russian forward Ilya Safonov has left the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks. Safonov’s agent Dan Milstein confirmed that his client has indeed left the Vancouver…