One player Vancouver Canucks fans have not heard about in a while is forward Ilya Safonov. The 24-year-old was acquired by the organization back in June from the Chicago Blackhawks [http://thn.com/chicago] in exchange for future considerations. While Safonov did attend Canucks Development Camp last off-season, he has yet to play a game for Vancouver at any level. The decision to stay in Russia has paid off for Safonov, as he had his best season with Ak Bars Kazan. In 68 regular-season games, the 6'4" center scored 16 goals while recording 33 points. He also helped Ak Bars Kazan qualify for the KHL playoffs as the third seed in their conference. As for the post-season, Safonov appears to have kicked his game into high gear. As of writing, he has points in four-straight games and is up to seven in 10 playoff games. Ak Bars Kazan is currently in the Conference Final, where they hold a 1-0 series lead over Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Ilya Safonov at Vancouver Canucks Development Camp (Photo Credit: Kaja Antic/The Hockey News) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/1f84f9c7-7ec5-44d1-aa79-d905dee7f986.jpeg] Ilya Safonov at Vancouver Canucks Development Camp (Photo Credit: Kaja Antic/The Hockey News) Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwr-DfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks]. Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/]: Former Canucks In 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Šilovs Looks To Save The Penguins' Season [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/former-canucks-in-2026-stanley-cup-playoffs-silovs-looks-to-save-the-penguins-season] One Canucks Player Featured In The Hockey News' Top 100 NHLers Of 2026 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/players/one-canucks-player-featured-in-the-hockey-news-top-100-nhlers-of-2026] Canucks’ Hronek And Patera To Represent Czechia At 2026 Fortuna Hockey Games [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/canucks-hronek-and-patera-to-represent-czechia-at-2026-fortuna-hockey-games] For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription?_gl=1*twovkp*_ga*MTk0NDM0Mzk0OS4xNzQ2MjQ0ODA2*_ga_ZET34ZFCGX*czE3NjEyNTE0MDEkbzU3MCRnMSR0MTc2MTI1MjA1MyRqNjAkbDAkaDA.]. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum. The Hockey News [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/2025a1ec-0661-4106-b665-09b8ddbfcfa1.jpeg] The Hockey News
