HC Vancouver signed a contract with Safonov for a year

The Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL) have signed a contract with Russian striker Ilya Safonov. This was announced on June 3 on the official website of the North American team.

The bilateral agreement with the 24-year-old striker is for one year. Last season, Safonov played for Ak Bars Kazan in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Taking into account the playoff matches, he took part in 88 meetings, in which he scored 42 points (18 goals scored and 24 assists).

"Ilya had a strong season in Russia and performed well in the playoffs. We are impressed by his size and playing style. In training camp, he will get a great chance to compete for a place in the team," said Vancouver general manager Ryan Johnson.

"I know my native Magnitogorsk inside and out, but I always find something new in it"

Blackhawks hockey player Roman Kantserov — about parting with Metallurg, leaving for the NHL and the last KHL season

Goalkeeper Maxim Tretyak left the Sochi Hockey Club on June 1. The goalkeeper joined the Black Sea team in October 2025, having transferred from Tolyatti Lada. For Tretyak, this was the second period of playing for the club: previously, he defended the colors of Sochi from 2020 to 2024.