Shortly after a report [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/report-canucks-to-sign-russian-prospect-safonov] from RG Media broke earlier this week, the Vancouver Canucks have officially announced that they have signed forward Ilya Safonov to a one-year, two-way contract. This is the first player signing that new Canucks General Manager Ryan Johnson has made since being brought on as GM in May. “Ilya had a solid year in Russia and a strong playoff,” Johnson said in a press release [https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/canucks-agree-to-terms-with-forward-ilya-safonov-on-a-one-year-two-way-contract] earlier today. “We like his size and player profile, and he will be given every opportunity to compete for a spot at training camp.” Vancouver acquired Safonov's rights last season after the 2025 NHL Draft in exchange for future considerations. The forward attended the Canucks' development camp last year before heading back to the KHL for the 2025-26 season. After the KHL season ended this year, reports indicated that Safonov would be seeking out an NHL deal [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/report-canucks-prospect-safonov-will-be-leaving-the-khl] with the Canucks. In 68 regular season games with Ak Bars Kazan this year, Safonov scored 16 goals and 17 assists. During the post-season, he put up two goals and seven assists in 20 games, with Ak Bars making it to the KHL Final but losing to Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in six games. Photo Credit: Kaja Antic - THN [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/c22614cb-d1de-43a5-b098-2310c01a6a93.jpeg] Photo Credit: Kaja Antic - THN 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/]: 'I Felt I Owed Him That To Have That Conversation': Ryan Johnson Has Spoken To Manny Malhotra About The Canucks Potentially Drafting Caleb Malhotra [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/i-felt-i-owed-him-that-to-have-that-conversation-ryan-johnson-has-spoken-to-manny-malhotra-about-the-canucks-potentially-drafting-caleb-malhotra] Canucks Looking For Culture And Consistency With Malhotra Head Coaching Hire [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/players/canucks-looking-for-culture-and-consistency-with-malhotra-head-coaching-hire] Report: Canucks To Sign Russian Prospect Safonov [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/report-canucks-to-sign-russian-prospect-safonov] 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/a8d55a79-d365-41ec-82a0-dc6e7d8ae87e.jpeg] The Hockey News
