Vancouver Canucks Sign Forward Ilya Safonov to One-Year, Two-Way Contract
Ryan Johnson adds the 25-year-old Russian forward after a 33-point KHL season and a strong playoff run.
- The Vancouver Canucks signed Russian forward Ilya Safonov to a one-year, two-way contract on Tuesday, marking the first player acquisition for newly appointed general manager Ryan Johnson.
- Safonov became available after his contract with Ak Bars Kazan of the Kontinental Hockey League expired on May 31, 2026, following Vancouver's June 28, 2025 acquisition of his rights from the Chicago Blackhawks.
- The 220-pound forward is known for defensive reliability and excels in the face-off circle, winning 56.7 per cent of his draws last season while recording 33 points in 68 games with Kazan.
- Johnson stated the organization appreciates Safonov's size and player profile, confirming he will compete for an NHL roster spot at training camp after helping Kazan reach the Gagarin Cup Final.
- If Safonov does not secure an NHL role, he will likely start in the American Hockey League with Abbotsford, bolstering centre depth that faced significant injury challenges throughout the prior season.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Vancouver Canucks sign Russian forward, first signing by GM Ryan Johnson - Creston Valley Advance
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…
Vancouver Canucks sign Russian forward, first signing by GM Ryan Johnson - Fort St. James Caledonia Courier
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…
Vancouver Canucks sign Russian forward, first signing by GM Ryan Johnson - Grand Forks Gazette
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…
Vancouver Canucks sign Russian forward, first signing by GM Ryan Johnson - Vanderhoof Omineca Express
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…
Vancouver Canucks sign Russian forward, first signing by GM Ryan Johnson - Northern Sentinel
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…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 83% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
