![\"Ilya](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/574197.webp.webp\" "\\"Ilya")
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Photo credit: KHL<\/p>\n
The Vancouver Canucks and Chicago Blackhawks have come together on Saturday afternoon to complete a trade involving a 24-year-old centerman.<\/p>\n
Vancouver Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford promised to fans<\/a> that the team would be aggressive this summer and they’ve certainly shown that already, as the club has completed their second trade in the last four days.<\/p>\n Vancouver Canucks acquire Russian centerman from the Chicago Blackhawks<\/p>\n One of the biggest needs the Vancouver Canucks had entering this summer was down the middle as their center depth has taken a hit over the last seven months following the trade of J.T. Miller<\/a> to the New York Rangers and on Tuesday, the expected departure of Pius Suter<\/a>.<\/p>\n Shortly after the 2025 National Hockey League Entry Draft finished, the Vancouver Canucks were able to complete a trade for some center help and acquired an intriguing player that could make their NHL debut this fall.<\/p>\n In a post on social media, the Vancouver Canucks announced that they’ve acquired Russian prospect Ilya Safonov from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for future considerations.<\/p>\n “Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that the club acquired forward Ilya Safonov from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for future considerations.” the Canucks said.<\/p>\n Safonov, a native of Moscow, Russia, was a sixth round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks back in 2021 and has spent the five seasons as a full-time players in the KHL with AK Bars Kazan, helping them reach the Gagarin Cup Final in 2022-23.<\/p>\n In 51 games this season with AK Bars Kazan, Safonov registered 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists), 22 penalty minutes and was a plus-22, adding five points in 13 contests during the Gagarin Cup Playoffs.<\/p>\n