Sasson was named the Abbotsford Canucks Rookie of the Year after recording 42 points in 56 games.
Sasson was named the Abbotsford Canucks Rookie of the Year after recording 42 points in 56 games.
A year after signing as an undrafted free agent, Max Sasson has developed into one of the Vancouver Canucks top prospects. Currently playing for the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL, the 23-year-old forward had 42 points in 56 games and was named the team's Rookie of the Year. A highly skilled player, he will be a name to watch next season at Canucks training camp and should make his NHL debut sometime during the 2024-25 campaign.
Sasson was signed by Vancouver in 2023 after his NCAA career with Western Michigan University came to a close. During his two years, he posted 64 points in 75 games while also finishing with a plus/minus rating of +24. As Sasson explains, while there were other teams, the opportunities available with the Canucks was too tempting to pass up.
"I had quite a few NHL teams that wanted me to sign with them," said Sasson. "But I really wasn't looking at the East or West Coast. It was more of what team wants me the most, where I'm going to get the most opportunities and where I see a future in the NHL. We all dream of playing in the NHL, and it doesn't really matter where it is. Vancouver was one of the first teams to call, so I had a really good relationship with Scott Young and decided that this would be the best fit."
Last season, Sasson played 13 games with Abbotsford, including six in the postseason. During that time, he scored twice and added an assist while not looking out of place despite never having played pro before. According to Sasson, there were skills he needed to refine, including holding onto the puck and knocking it away from the opposition.
"I think the number one thing I noticed was the sticks and how good everyone was positionally. It's tougher to create things off the rush. The gaps are a lot better and people are just better at everything but protecting pucks especially. That was the main thing I thought was the biggest difference for when I first got to the league."
As mentioned, Sasson had a solid first pro campaign, ranking 15th in the AHL in rookie scoring. The year was challenging as Sasson missed some time with an injury. While it was difficult to be away from the rink, the rest seems to have been beneficial, as Sasson was able to elevate his game during the final month of the regular season and into the playoffs.
"Throughout the course of the year, there were some ups and downs. I like to think that ever since I came back from my injury has been my best hockey. I'm just really comfortable and starting to find what I can do and what I can't do and taking what the game gives me. I thought I had a decent start and then kind of dipped which I think is pretty normal in your rookie season. I'm not used to playing this many games, so I think as the season went on, my game kept getting better and better and honestly, right now, I feel the best I have all year."
Part of Sasson's development has been working with Henrik and Daniel Sedin. The Hockey Hall of Famers are part of Vancouver's development staff and have spent quite a lot of time in Abbotsford working with players on and off the ice. According to Sasson, having these legends work with him on a daily basis has helped improve his game and is an opportunity for which he is extremely grateful.
"It's extremely special. Obviously, they don't have to do this. I think sometimes they go to Van and then come to Abbotsford. It's so special for them that they come out, and they absolutely love it. They love helping us. They're always talking to us, doing video with us. Honestly, it's still so crazy to me. You know, these guys are legends and my idols, all of ours like growing up, so to have them working with us, they couldn't be better people. It's extremely special."
Another reason for Sasson's success this season has been the chemistry he has built with Linus Karlsson and Aatu Räty. At even strength, the trio had a 12-5 goal advantage when on the ice together, while each scored at least 18 goals this season. When asked about his linemates, Sasson explained that they have built strong chemistry not only on the ice but off it as well.
"We all kind of bring something different to the table. I think Linus is one of the best puck protectors in the whole league. When he gets it in the offensive zone. you can kind of just get away from him because you know he's gonna keep the puck and make something happen. I think Rats (Räty) is extremely smart. I think he knows where everyone is on the ice. I think that I'm pretty good at getting to the neutral zone and skating with the puck. Using our hockey IQ and good instincts made us really successful. Off the ice, we're all super close, and I think that's what kind of kept this success going throughout the year."
Sasson has continued his regular season success into the playoffs and played a crucial role in the Canucks first-round series win against the Colorado Eagles. He currently sits tied for second in the AHL with 11 shots and has an assist in each of his last two games. Overall, he is proving to be a special talent and one that general manager Patrik Allvin should be keeping an eye on as he builds Vancouver's roster next season.
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