What happened: The Vancouver Canucks signed 25-year-old unrestricted free agent forward Ilya Safonov to a one-year, two-way contract carrying a $950K cap hit. The deal pays $850K at the NHL level and $87.5K in the minors, and includes a $100K signing bonus. Safonov is represented by Dan Milstein.
Why it matters: The low-cost, two-way structure gives Vancouver flexible forward depth heading into the 2026-27 season without tying up meaningful cap space. The contract lets the club move Safonov between the NHL roster and the AHL as needed.
By the numbers: Term: one year. Cap hit: $950K. NHL salary: $850K. Minors salary: $87.5K. Signing bonus: $100K. Age: 25. Status: unrestricted free agent.
What to watch: Watch whether Safonov earns an NHL roster spot in training camp or opens the 2026-27 season in the minors.