Newly minted GM Ryan Johnson secures the former Blackhawks draft pick to bolster roster depth, bringing Russian scoring touch and size to training camp on a low-risk deal.
The Vancouver Canucks announced earlier today that they have signed KHL forward Ilya Safonov to a one-year, two-way contract.
The signing marks the first move made by newly hired general manager Ryan Johnson since taking over the role.
The 25-year-old Russian forward spent last season with Ak Bars Kazan in the KHL, where he recorded 16 goals and 23 assists for 39 points. He also added two goals and seven assists for nine points in 20 playoff games.
In a statement released by the Canucks following the signing, Johnson had this to say:
"Ilya had a solid year in Russia and a strong playoff," said Johnson in a statement. "We like his size and player profile, and he will be given every opportunity to compete for a spot at training camp."
Safonov was originally selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round of the 2021 NHL Draft. However, he never signed an entry-level contract with the organization, which eventually led to his rights being traded to the Canucks at last year's draft.
Now, he'll get his first opportunity at the NHL level with the Canucks, a team looking to uncover a few hidden gems after a disappointing 2025-26 season. Whether Safonov can earn a roster spot remains to be seen, but Vancouver is clearly giving him a chance to make an impression when camp opens.
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