Max Sasson's Journey from Undrafted Grind to NHL Mentorship Role
In the midst of a tumultuous season for the Vancouver Canucks, forward Max Sasson stands as a testament to perseverance and professionalism. The undrafted 25-year-old, who fought his way to the NHL against long odds, now finds himself navigating the dual challenges of personal performance and team-wide struggles, all while embracing a mentorship role for the franchise's promising young defensive core.
The Weight of a Struggling Franchise
The Canucks' current campaign has been marked by historic difficulties, with the team setting a franchise record for futility with 11 consecutive losses and winning just one of its last 15 games. This dismal stretch has positioned Vancouver on pace for a mere 60-point season, a threshold not seen since the 1998-99 season when the team managed only 58 points.
"It's really hard," Sasson admitted following a recent practice. "But it's the situation we're in. We're going to keep showing up and working and getting better."
For Sasson, who has experienced the rollercoaster of being scratched from lineups—including Tuesday's game against the San Jose Sharks—the mental toll is significant. "I've dealt with this quite a bit of being in and out of the lineup and it's never easy," he acknowledged. "You try to not let it wear on you, but you're human."
Embracing the Mentor Role
Despite the team's struggles, Sasson has found purpose in guiding Vancouver's emerging defensive talents. With two years remaining on his contract at US$1 million annually, he sees himself as a bridge to help develop young players like Zeev Buium (20), Tom Willander (20), and Elias Pettersson (21).
"If they're a little hesitant to go up to the vets, they can talk to me," Sasson explained. "I have experience with the ups and down and love being a resource for whoever wants to talk to me and those three especially."
This mentorship extends beyond the rink, with Sasson emphasizing the importance of communication and shared meals during road trips. He also leans on veteran guidance himself, regularly having breakfast with teammate Tyler Myers, who provides insight on navigating professional challenges.
The Long Road to Professional Hockey
Sasson's path to the NHL was anything but straightforward. The Birmingham, Michigan native honed his skills through three USHL stops before his collegiate career at Western Michigan University. It wasn't until his sophomore year that NHL possibilities became tangible, when former Canucks director of player personnel Scott Young reached out to express interest.
"I think my last year in junior I kind of started believing, but I always had an inner belief in myself," Sasson reflected. "And then getting to school and skating with better players, I felt I can really do this."
His breakthrough came during the 2022-23 season when he recorded 42 points (15 goals, 27 assists) in 38 games at Western Michigan, finishing 13th in NCAA scoring with an average of 1.11 points per game—a performance that ultimately caught Vancouver's attention.
Maintaining Professional Standards Amid Rebuild Talk
As speculation swirls about a potential roster rebuild to address the team's struggles, Sasson maintains that players remain focused on their daily responsibilities rather than long-term organizational strategies.
"You never want to be on a team that's losing, but as players, we never think about a rebuild," he stressed. "Every day, we're trying to win and continue to get better and grow."
The forward strongly rejected any notion of players intentionally underperforming to improve draft position. "People from the outside probably don't know that we've worked our whole lives to get to this moment to play in the NHL," Sasson emphasized. "Guys are pushing to be in your position and not one guy takes playing in this league for granted. Nobody will ever tell you that they were trying to tank a game."
Looking Forward with Determination
With 19 career NHL points (13 goals, 6 assists) in 77 games, Sasson has established himself as a versatile bottom-six contributor capable of playing center or wing. His 10 goals this season demonstrate his ability to capitalize on opportunities, whether earned through merit or created by lineup changes due to injuries.
"I lean on the experiences when I thought I would never even be here and keep pushing to be a regular," Sasson said, referencing his unlikely journey to the NHL. "It looks like they want me to be part of the future here and that's a lot of confidence to push it every day."
As the Canucks navigate their challenging season, Sasson's story serves as a reminder of the resilience required to succeed at hockey's highest level—and the importance of veteran guidance during difficult stretches for both individual players and the franchise as a whole.
