Jan 18, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Max Sasson (63) skates during warm up prior to a game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

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Vancouver Canucks Recall Max Sasson to Strengthen Roster

Vancouver Canucks bring back forward Max Sasson, adding depth as they gear up for the final stretch of the season.

The Vancouver Canucks have called up forward Max Sasson from their AHL affiliate, Abbotsford, under emergency conditions. This move provides the team with an extra forward for their road game against the Columbus Blue Jackets in case of an unexpected lineup change. If Sasson doesn’t hit the ice tonight, the Canucks will be required to send him back to the minors the following day. With his recall, Vancouver’s active roster now stands at 26 players.

At 24 years old, Sasson has been a familiar name in the Canucks’ system, now earning his seventh NHL call-up this season. It has been nearly two months since his last stint with the big club, but he continues to prove his value as a reliable depth option. Undrafted out of Western Michigan University, the Canucks signed him to an entry-level contract in 2023 after a standout college season where he posted 42 points in 38 games. His strong play didn’t go unnoticed, and he quickly made an impression in the AHL.

ICYMI: Max Sasson does it all in OT for the @abbycanucks pic.twitter.com/mM8N8DAjYw
— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) March 23, 2025

Sasson’s transition to professional hockey has been smooth. In his first full season with Abbotsford, he notched 42 points in 56 games, finishing as one of the team’s top scorers. While he didn’t get an NHL call-up that season, his performance helped him climb the depth chart heading into 2024-25. This year, his production has dipped slightly, averaging 0.70 points per game in the AHL, but he remains a solid contributor.

When given NHL opportunities, Sasson has been steady. In 24 appearances for Vancouver this season, he has recorded six points (two goals, four assists) while averaging just over 10 minutes per game. He has also contributed defensively with 13 blocked shots and 14 hits. His possession numbers align with the Canucks’ team average, but faceoffs remain an area for improvement, winning just 41.9% of his draws so far. Despite this, he has handled his fourth-line responsibilities well, providing reliable depth when needed.

Although Sasson is not considered a top prospect at this stage in his career, he has proven himself as a dependable call-up option. His consistent play could even earn him a spot on the Canucks’ opening night roster next season as an affordable depth piece. With his contract set to expire this summer, he will be a restricted free agent. The Canucks will have a decision to make, but given his solid development, Sasson might be sticking around in Vancouver for a while longer.

Max Sasson

NHL

Vancouver Canucks

Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!