Ilya Safonov is set to sign with the Canucks after leaving Ak Bars (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
Ilya Safonov is set to sign with the Vancouver Canucks, RG has learned.
After lengthy consideration, the Russian forward has decided to continue his career in the NHL. During the season, Safonov was firmly planning to join the Canucks, but his decision became less certain after major changes in Vancouver’s front office and coaching staff.
The 25-year-old centre has played in the Ak Bars Kazan system in the KHL since 2018. Last season, he helped the team reach the Gagarin Cup Final, where Ak Bars lost 4-2 in the series to Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.
In the 2025-26 season, Safonov recorded 33 points (16 goals, 17 assists) in 68 regular-season games. He added nine points (two goals, seven assists) in 20 playoff games.
Safonov is a powerful, physical forward who consistently drives to the net, plays effectively around the crease and contributes in all three zones. His move to Vancouver will also be followed closely by analysts, scouts and hockey betting sites as the Canucks look to add more size and depth down the middle.
“After Ak Bars reached the final, the club’s management hoped to convince one of its leaders to stay with the team. However, Ilya and his agent, Dan Milstein, ultimately decided to leave,” a source familiar with the situation told RG.
Safonov was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round, No. 172 overall, in the 2021 NHL Draft. Last year, the Blackhawks traded his rights to Vancouver. Safonov had considered moving to North America a year earlier but chose to spend one more season in Russia.
This spring, the Vancouver Canucks made major changes to their management structure. The club fully reshaped its senior front office and dismissed its coaching staff. General manager Patrik Allvin was among those removed. He was replaced by Ryan Johnson, who previously had success running the club’s AHL affiliate and also served as assistant general manager.
Safonov initially had an agreement with Vancouver’s previous management group. After the changes, his move became uncertain. However, according to the latest information, the player and the club have now reached an agreement on a contract.
Safonov is expected to sign a one-year entry-level contract.
