PUBLICATION
Sam Walker
February 5, 2026 (1:27 PM)
Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Ilya Safonov just turned a quiet Vancouver Canucks trade into a loud Chicago Blackhawks mistake, and it stings for a rebuilding team.
Chicago basically handed over a legit center prospect for free.
Safonov is 24, and he was a 2021 sixth-round pick, 172nd overall, by the Blackhawks. That’s the kind of lottery ticket you keep until it cashes.
Instead, the Hawks cashed it in for air.
This is not some distant, years-away long shot either. Vancouver is openly lining him up as a real option to bring over and use.
Safonov’s KHL production is the flashing sign. He has 17 goals and 29 points in 53 games with Ak Bars Kazan this season.
That is bottom-six scoring with teeth, not empty touches.
Ilya Safonov makes Vancouver Canucks look like geniuses over trade with the Chicago Blackhawks
Blackhawks fans can feel the annoyance here, because Chicago needs cost-controlled centers more than almost anyone.
Safonov plays a direct style, lives around the crease, and can handle penalty-kill work. That’s useful NHL stuff, even if the upside is “only” a strong third-liner.
“Another two goals for Ilya Safonov today, giving him four goals in two games. This man just lives in the blue paint.
He’s up to 29 points (17 goals, 12 assists) in 53 games.”
Chicago could have simply kept his rights, sold the idea of a role, and let him fight for a job in camp.
If it failed, fine. If it hit, you just found a bargain.
Now Vancouver gets that same swing, with none of the original scouting pain.
It also undercuts the Hawks’ rebuild logic. You cannot preach patience and then donate a mature prospect for nothing.
If Safonov signs and sticks before the end of 2026, this trade is going to get replayed every time Chicago’s depth dries up.
The next milestone is simple: the moment his North America decision becomes official, the “future considerations” line will look brutal.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
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The Chicago Blackhawks traded a star to the Vancouver Canucks before they even knew it
Do you think Ilya Safonov will make the Chicago Blackhawks regret this Vancouver Canucks trade?