New Canucks GM Ryan Johnson makes his first move

The Vancouver Canucks have officially added some size to their organization, inking Russian forward Ilya Safonov to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2026-27 season. The deal marks the very first signing under newly appointed general manager Ryan Johnson, sending a clear signal about the direction the franchise is heading.

Safonov, a 25-year-old centre standing 6-foot-4 (some reports list him at 6-foot-5) and weighing in at over 200 pounds, spent the entirety of his professional career with Ak Bars Kazan in the Kontinental Hockey League. His path to Vancouver has been an interesting one. Originally selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft at 172nd overall, Safonov never signed his entry-level deal with Chicago. Instead, he continued developing in Russia, where he became a fixture in one of the KHL's most storied programs.

The Canucks quietly acquired his rights from the Blackhawks in a previous offseason move that largely went unnoticed at the time, receiving him in exchange for future consideration. With his KHL contract expiring at the end of May 2026, the timing was right for Safonov to finally make the jump to North America.

A proven performer in the KHL

Safonov's most recent campaign was among the best of his career. He tallied 16 goals and 33 points across 68 regular season games, along with 43 penalty minutes and an impressive plus-18 rating. His goal total ranked sixth on Ak Bars, while his plus-minus placed him fourth on the squad. When the playoffs arrived, Safonov elevated his game even further, contributing two goals and nine points in 20 postseason contests as Ak Bars advanced all the way to the Gagarin Cup Final before falling to Yaroslavl Lokomotiv in six games.

Over the course of his KHL tenure, Safonov suited up for 331 regular season games, accumulating 65 goals and 128 points with a remarkable plus-68 career rating. He also appeared in 79 playoff games, registering 10 goals and 26 points. Those numbers paint a picture of a reliable, consistent contributor who tends to show up when it matters most.

Beyond the stat sheet, Safonov brings intangible qualities that organizations covet. He has been recognized for his leadership throughout his time in Kazan, wearing an alternate captain's letter for roughly half of his KHL career. Notably, he was even named team captain at just 21 years old during a period of transition for Ak Bars back in 2022. He is also known as a defensively responsible player with strong work in the faceoff circle, winning 56.7 percent of his draws last season. His physical style of play and willingness to protect teammates add another dimension to his game.

"Ilya had a solid year in Russia and a strong playoff," Johnson said in announcing the signing. "We like his size and player profile, and he will be given every opportunity to compete for a spot at training camp."

What this means for the Canucks organization

Reports indicate the contract carries a value of $950,000, with a $100,000 signing bonus and a minor league salary of $87,500. While Safonov will have a chance to earn a roster spot with the big club during training camp, the most likely scenario sees him starting the season in the AHL with the Abbotsford Canucks.

That would actually be a significant addition for the farm team. Abbotsford struggled with centre depth throughout last season, as injuries took a heavy toll on the position. Adding a player of Safonov's experience and physical presence could provide a much-needed stabilizing force down the middle for the AHL affiliate.

It is worth noting that Safonov has represented Russia on the international stage multiple times, including appearances at the 2017 Under-17 Hockey Challenge and the 2021 World Junior Hockey Championships. That kind of pedigree, combined with his extensive KHL experience, suggests a player who has been tested in high-pressure environments.

The signing comes during a period of significant change for the Canucks, who finished the 2025-26 season with the worst record in the NHL at 25-49-8. The organization recently promoted Daniel and Henrik Sedin to co-presidents, elevated Ryan Johnson to the general manager role, and named Manny Malhotra as the 23rd head coach in franchise history. Vancouver also holds the third overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft at the end of June.

While Safonov alone is unlikely to transform the Canucks' fortunes overnight, his signing represents the kind of low-risk, high-reward move that rebuilding teams need to make. If the big Russian centre can translate his KHL production to the North American game, Vancouver could have found themselves a useful depth piece as they look to build their way back to respectability.