Ilya Safonov is headed back to the KHL. According to a report from Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie and Dhali, the Russian forward has left the Abbotsford Canucks and is headed back home. At the time of writing, it is unknown what KHL team Safonov will join, but he has spent his entire pro career in Russia with Ak Bars Kazan.
Safonov signed a one-year contract with the Canucks this past off-season. He started the year in the AHL with Abbotsford, where he posted four points in 12 games. Safonov is able to go back to the KHL, as he has a clause in his contract that allows the move.
Advertisement
Vancouver acquired the rights to Safonov back in 2025 from the Chicago Blackhawks for future considerations. The 25-year-old was drafted 172nd overall in 2021, but did not sign with Chicago. In 331 career KHL games, Safonov has scored 65 goals and recorded 128 points.
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 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.
Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:
Advertisement
Canucks Claim Crotty Off Waivers, Make Two Other Roster Moves
Former Canucks GM Brian Burke Inducted Into The Hockey Hall-Of-Fame
Canucks Head Coach Manny Malhotra Delivers Message To Fans After 16th Regulation Loss In 20 Games
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
