Career
Safronov was selected in the first round, 19th overall, by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 1999 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Drafted from the Russian Superleague"s SKA Saint St. Petersburg, Safronov made his North American debut with the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) in the 1999–2000 season. After one season with the Remparts, he joined the Coyotes" American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Springfield Falcons.
Safronov appeared in one game with the Coyotes during the 2001-2002 season before being traded to the Atlanta Thrashers (along with Ruslan Zainullin and a draft pick) in exchange for Darcy Hordichuk and two draft picks.
Safronov returned to Russia during the 2004-2005 National Hockey League lockout and has played there since.