Max Sasson Outlines Off-Season Goals for Canucks’ Future Growth

The Vancouver Canucks find themselves at a crossroads, balancing the bright potential of their young talent with a roster that still features players who are just shy of their 30s. Among them is Max Sasson, a 25-year-old forward whose journey has been somewhat unique. Although he played in 29 games for the Canucks last season, the majority of his contributions came with the Abbotsford Canucks, where he played a pivotal role in their Calder Cup run.

In the 2025-26 season, Sasson had his first full NHL stint, scoring 13 goals and adding six assists across 66 games, which tied him for sixth on the team in goals. His experience spans both the NHL and AHL, with 162 games played since the start of the 2024-25 season, showcasing his resilience and adaptability.

During a recent end-of-season media availability, Sasson expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming off-season, emphasizing the importance of taking this time to rest and train. “Last summer, I got home on July 1, and I was back here like August 20-something. So using this full off-season to obviously, you hear the answers that train and which obviously, 100%, I’m going to use this to be more mobile,” he said. He recognizes areas for improvement in his game, particularly in wall play and puck handling, and aims to develop into a stronger presence on the ice. “I also think I can transform myself into more of a, I say NHL third-line body, where you’re not getting pushed off the puck as easy.”

Sasson’s speed has been a hallmark of his game, especially as he transitioned into more offensive roles. He believes that enhancing this aspect of his performance is crucial as he prepares for the next season. “I want to continue to work on my speed. I don’t think you can ever be fast enough,” he remarked, highlighting his commitment to continuous improvement.

As the season progressed, Sasson found himself shifting to the wing, a change he embraced. “I played a little bit of it last year here, but for the majority of my three seasons, I’ve been a centre. But yeah, I think I have embraced it,” he said. This new position allows him to leverage his speed more effectively while conserving energy for offensive plays. “Do I see that as a path forward? Honestly, I feel comfortable with both. However, I think in the second half, the majority of games were at the wing, and I think I proved that I probably can be a pretty good winger in this league.”

Alongside physical training, Sasson is keen on enhancing his mental game. He has noticed that players who are overly focused or anxious tend to struggle on the ice. “I feel a lot of times that when guys are thinking a lot, and they have a lot going through their mind, you can see it on the ice. And when a guy’s playing free and playing with confidence, it’s very noticeable,” he explained.

Despite his personal goals, Sasson is clear that the success of the Canucks hinges on collective effort. “No player in here is thinking rebuild. We’re all going to train our butts off this summer and come into camp and try to compete for a playoff spot,” he stated. He believes that the potential of the team’s young roster should excite fans, noting players like Willander, Zeev, and Öhgren. “I think when, if [a rebuild]’s done right, you can be one of the best teams in the league,” he concluded, reflecting a hopeful outlook on the Canucks’ future.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.