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Blackhawks Unveil Major Star-Studded Addition to 2025-26 Seasons Roster
Photo credit: NHL.com
Reporters reveal that 23-year-old, Ilya Safonov, is signing with the Chicago Blackhawks following the conclusion of the 2024-25 NHL season.
Safonov has spent his professional career thus far with Ak Bars Kazan in the Kontinental Hockey League, known as the KHL.
Throughout the duration of the 2024-25 season, he has a plus-minus rating of +12, scoring a total of 6 goals and 11 assists in over 39 games.
His season was interrupted by an unfortunate injury sustained in the beginning of 2025, during a game against Salavat Yulaev, causing him to be absent from the line up, but is expected to return very soon.
The Chicago Blackhawks have shown much interested in Ilya Safonov for some time now.
«There has been interest in him from overseas for two or three years now. We are communicating with Ilya and his agent. We will wait until the end of the season, then there will be clarity.»
As of today, reporter, Daria Tuboltseva, suggested the following:
«Ilya Safonov is heading to the NHL! The Ak Bars forward plans to sign with the Blackhawks after the 2024/25 season.
which she reposted on her social media account.See below:
Safonov is a promising two-way center with significant experience, including a playing style that could translate perfectly into the Blackhawks' lineup, an ideal linemate for Connor Bedard.
As the Chicago Blackhawks continue progressing, young studs like Ilya Safonov, may be promising for their overall strength and athleticism for the upcoming season.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 22 | 114 ANSWERS Blackhawks Unveil Major Star-Studded Addition to 2025-26 Seasons Roster Do you think prospect Ilya Safonov could increase the potential for the Chicago Blackhawks' 2025/26 season? | ||
| No, we should be focusing on new defensemen | 17 | 14.9 % |
| No, Chicago needs to stack their team | 25 | 21.9 % |
| Yes, he seems like he will perform well | 62 | 54.4 % |
| Yes, lets win a cup again | 10 | 8.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
