A look at which prospects may be called up from Abbotsford to make their NHL debut before the end of the season.
The Abbotsford Canucks are off to a hot start in 2023-24. With a record of 16-8-2, they head into their holiday break just one point back of the conference lead. From strong goaltending performances to one of the best offences in the league, everything seems to be clicking down on the farm. With that in mind, here is a look at three players who deserve to be called up in the new year and make their NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks.
Arshdeep Bains
Arshdeep Bains continues to take steps in his development. At 22 years old, he is the team leader in assists (21) and points (26) and is the only player on Abbotsford's roster above a point per game this season. He has also been on the ice for 22 goals for compared to 12 against at even-strength and has seen his shots on goal per game rise from 1.02 to 1.17 this season. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of the WHL at the end of the 2021-22 season, he has fine-tuned his game to the point where he could provide valuable minutes on the fourth line in Vancouver.
Jett Woo
If the injury bug were to hit the Canucks blue line, the first call-up could be Jett Woo. Now in his fourth season with the organization, the 23-year-old has developed into a strong penalty killer while playing top-pairing minutes in Abbotsford. He has also increased his offensive output this season, as he is on pace to set a new career high in points. A restricted free agent at the end of the campaign, he has earned the opportunity to play at least one game with the team that drafted him.
Max Sasson
Max Sasson is putting the AHL on notice in his rookie season. Singed as an undrafted college free agent last year, he is tied for second on the team in goals with eight, while Abbotsford as a team has outscored the opposition 18-5 while he is on the ice. He also has shown an ability to be directly involved in goals, with 12 of his 13 points coming as either goals or first assists. A natural centerman, he may earn a call-up because he can play all three forward positions if needed.
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