CanucksArmy has no direct affiliation to the Vancouver Canucks, Canucks Sports & Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
Reuinted with Malhotra, what Max Sasson will Canucks fans see in 2026-27?
Photo credit: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
By Elijah Ford
Aug 20, 2026, 12:00 EDTUpdated: Aug 19, 2026, 16:27 EDT
Many critics have questioned the Vancouver Canucks‘ player development department in recent years, but Max Sasson has emerged as one of its biggest success stories.
After signing with the team as a college free agent in 2023, Sasson spent most of two years developing in Abbotsford, splitting time between the AHL and NHL. Last season, Sasson established himself as a full-time NHL player, appearing in 66 games for Vancouver. He excited fans with his speed, which brought jolts of energy to an otherwise tedious season.
While Sasson is too old to be considered a “prospect,” there is reason to believe the 25-year-old late bloomer will continue to develop. With his former head coach, Manny Malhotra, now behind the bench and an expected confidence boost from having a full NHL season under his belt, Sasson has the opportunity to take a significant step in his production next season. So what would that look like exactly?
Meeting expectations: 25-35 points, improve on faceoffs and the penalty kill
While Sasson’s point totals didn’t jump off the page last season, it’s clear he has the ability to provide consistent depth scoring. His speed, shot accuracy and ability to create controlled zone entries off the rush make him a solid offensive play driver.
What may be more important than offensive production for Sasson at this point in his career, however, may be establishing a clear role for himself moving forward. Sasson is listed as a centre and played the majority of his minutes down the middle for the Canucks last season. He covers enough ice and his motor is strong enough in all three zones to be a full-time centreman.
Sasson’s issue is in the finer details of the position. Among all players who took at least 200 faceoffs last season, Sasson ranked 15th worst at 42.1%. While faceoff success is far from the only requirement to be an effective NHL centre, his inability to consistently win possession off the draw makes it difficult for coaches to trust him in critical situations, particularly in the defensive zone.
This also limits Sasson’s ability to kill penalties, an area he hopes to develop moving forward. “I really want to come into training camp and show that I can be a reliable PK guy,” Sasson said. “I can play up and down the lineup.”
Last season, Sasson ranked outside the top 10 among Canucks forwards in penalty kill ice time despite his ability to close gaps with his speed. A move to the wing is possible, with Braeden Cootes competing for minutes next season, Aatu Räty filling a similar depth role, and Caleb Malhotra coming down the pipeline. Whether it’s on the wing or down the middle, though, Sasson needs to show the new coaching staff that he’s more than just an energy spark plug, but rather a reliable night-to-night contributor who can consistently win his matchups at both ends of the ice.
Exceeding expectations: Half-point-per-game production, discovers another level as a playmaker
For Sasson to go from an undrafted free agent to a half-point-per-game scorer in the NHL would be an unbelievable coming-of-age story, and it’s far from impossible. As previously mentioned, Sasson’s speed could become a legitimate game-breaking attribute if he can round out the rest of his offensive skill set. According to NHL Edge, he ranked in the 97th percentile in maximum skating speed and the 95th percentile in bursts of 35 km/h or faster. That’s despite having fewer opportunities than most players to showcase his speed because of his limited ice time.
Sasson can turn his skating into more scoring opportunities by becoming more decisive with the puck after carrying it into the offensive zone. He has a tendency to attack the zone with control along the perimeter but often lacks a clear plan once he gets there. According to Corey Sznajder’s tracking project, Sasson is above the NHL average in controlled zone entries but well below average in the percentage of those entries that generate scoring chances.
It’s possible Manny Malhotra could help unlock another level of playmaking through increased confidence and familiarity within his system. Sasson produced at a 58-point pace over a 72-game AHL season during his two years under Malhotra, including a Calder Cup championship run in which he averaged more than half a point per game.
A big reason for that production in the AHL was his chemistry with Linus Karlsson. Their partnership continued after both became full-time NHL players last season, with Sasson playing more than 200 additional five-on-five minutes alongside Karlsson than with any other forward. Together, they posted a 55% Corsi For %, an impressive mark considering they played on the NHL’s last-place team. With both players having enjoyed some of the best hockey of their careers under Malhotra previously, and with greater opportunity expected on a rebuilding roster, it’s certainly possible they elevate their games even further next season.
Below expectations: 15 or fewer points, struggles to find an every night role
Although Sasson has become a fan favourite in Vancouver because of his speed, relatable personality, and unconventional career path, flaws in his game could become more apparent with increased responsibility.
We’ve already discussed his struggles in the faceoff circle, but arguably even more important is a centreman’s responsibility to support low in the defensive zone until possession is clearly secured. Fast centremen like Sasson can become overeager to fill the middle of the ice in anticipation of a breakout pass, leaving dangerous areas exposed if possession is lost. Malhotra’s defensive-zone system relies heavily on the centreman supporting the puck through the middle of the ice. Sasson has experience in that role, but it’s still a work in progress. His ability to consistently play a reliable two-way game will likely have a significant impact on his ice time.
Depth players are generally expected to prevent goals more than they are expected to score them. Sasson doesn’t yet possess enough offensive impact to offset inconsistent defensive play. Becoming an established NHL depth piece rather than a fringe player will likely hinge on his ability to improve his defensive-zone positioning and puck retrievals. Sasson is an average-sized NHL player, but he still struggles to separate opponents from the puck in the defensive zone. Adding strength, particularly to his stick battles and faceoff technique, would go a long way toward increasing his nightly usage.
If Sasson is unable to build on the momentum from last season, he could find himself becoming a healthy scratch candidate as the Canucks look to provide opportunities for younger players.
This is a pivotal season for Sasson. His performance could determine his long-term NHL role and influence his development. The priority next season is clear: build his confidence as a playmaker, improve his faceoff ability, and establish himself as a reliable two-way centreman.
Sponsored by bet365
Breaking News
- Reuinted with Malhotra, what Max Sasson will Canucks fans see in 2026-27?
- WDYTT: Who has the most to prove in Canucks Training Camp 2026?
- Canucks games to be broadcasted on Kiss radio next season
- An in-depth look at the Seattle Kraken in 2026-27: Canucks Pacific Previews
- 31 days, 31 questions: What are the Canucks’ five most valuable assets at this current moment?
Vancouver CanucksTeam Cap Summary
Cap Summary
2026-27
2027-28
Projected Cap Hit
$86,185,833
$62,923,333
Projected Cap Space
$17,814,167
$50,576,666
Current Cap Space
$17,814,167
$50,576,666
Active Players
23/23
13/23
Draft Picks
Round
'26
'27
1
2
1
2
2
2
3
1
1