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Russia's Maxim Groshev (28), Ilya Safonov (24) and Roman Bychkov (7) celebrate a goal against the Finland during first period IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship bronze medal game action in Edmonton on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Vancouver Canucks sign forward Ilya Safonov to one-year, two-way contract

Jun 2, 2026 | 3:24 PM

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks have signed forward Ilya Safonov to a one-year, two-way contract, the NHL club announced Tuesday.

Safonov, 24, played 68 games for Ak Bars Kazan in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League this season, recording 33 points, 43 penalty minutes, and a rating of plus-18.

He added nine points in 20 post-season games, helping Kazan reach the Gagarin Cup Final.

Safonov has 128 points and appeared in 331 KHL games with Kazan.