Ryan Johnson and the Vancouver Canucks have made their first transaction of the new era.

On Tuesday afternoon, the club announced the signing of 25-year-old centre Ilya Safonov to a one-year, two-way contract. Originally selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round of the 2021 NHL Draft, the Russian forward was acquired by Vancouver for future considerations in June 2025.

After attending the Canucks’ Development Camp last summer, Safonov returned to Russia for what would become his seventh and final season with Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL. He helped lead the club to the Gagarin Cup Final before they were eventually eliminated in six games by Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.

Statistically, Safonov enjoyed one of the best seasons of his professional career. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound centre recorded 33 points (16 goals, 17 assists), 43 penalty minutes, and a plus-18 rating in 68 regular-season games. He followed that up with nine points (two goals, seven assists) in 20 playoff contests during Ak Bars’ run to the championship series. He departs the KHL having amassed 128 points (65 goals, 63 assists), 128 penalty minutes, and a plus-68 rating across 331 career games.

While the offensive numbers are respectable, Safonov’s value lies elsewhere in the game.

A physically imposing centre, he was Ak Bars’ go-to option in the faceoff circle. Safonov led the club with 1,081 draws taken during the regular season, winning 56.2% of them. He remained heavily relied upon in the playoffs, posting a 54.2% rate across 426 faceoffs. His offensive game is built around winning battles and creating chaos around the crease. Thanks to his rangy frame, Safonov is effective in the crease and isn’t afraid to put himself in positions to pay the price to get things done.

“Ilya had a solid year in Russia and a strong playoff,” said Canucks General Manager Ryan Johnson in the team’s press release. “We like his size and player profile, and he will be given every opportunity to compete for a spot at training camp.”

Safonov is expected to challenge for a bottom-six role when camp opens later this year, while also providing the organization with another big-bodied option down the middle.