Absolutely bonkers, isn’t it? This is what happens when you mix tenacity with a dash of luck and a whole heap of hard work! Max Sasson, the man of the hour, is about to make his NHL debut for the Vancouver Canucks. You know, it’s like the fairy tale of ‘Cinderella,’ but instead of a glass slipper, we’ve got skates. And instead of a ball, it’s… well, a hockey rink. I mean, who needs royalty when you’ve got grit?
Now, let’s break this down. Turns out, Sasson’s early years weren’t exactly what you’d call ‘a walk in the park’—more like a stumble through a very crowded pub at closing time. He was a depth player in the USHL, putting up impressive numbers. And by impressive, I mean you could sneeze and still score more points along with a parking ticket for being that irrelevant. 17 points in 62 games? That’s like showing up to a buffet and eating just one potato chip. Spoiler alert: nobody’s gonna draft you after that.
Fast forward a few years and suddenly we’re talking about a breakout. At 20, Sasson finally found his stride, putting up 49 points in 48 games. That’s considerably better! The kind of performance that makes scouts perk up like a cat hearing a can opener. He transitioned to college hockey, and boy did he thrive! He went from a near NHL nobody to a star in the NCAA, eventually catching the eye of the Canucks. Probably peeping through a pair of binoculars like they were auditioning for a low-budget spy movie.
The moment it all clicked for Max? When he scored 42 points in 38 games during his sophomore year. That’s like going to the gym for the first time and lifting more than your weight—people start to notice! And here we are, with him moving up faster than you can say “pass the puck,” all the way to the NHL at a ripe 24.
And let’s talk a bit about that emotional roller coaster he rode after practice: “It’s just a ton of emotions…” Yeah, it’s almost as if you’re announcing a one-night stand with your high school crush. And talking about the family? His dad referencing “my biggest fan,”—calm down buddy, it’s not the Super Bowl; it’s just hockey! But oh, the crying! I mean, if there’s one time it’s acceptable to cry over hockey, it’s after your son finally makes it. That phone call must have made Oprah’s Book Club look like a casual coffee chat!
Now, dissecting the Canucks’ lines, it’s more complicated than trying to assemble Ikea furniture after a couple of pints. They’re tossing players around like it’s Tetris with their lineup. Old Rick Tocchet is probably experimenting with lines more than a math teacher does with pi. You’ve got Sasson expected to be on the fourth line, which, if he truly plays like he did in college and the AHL, is a bit like putting a Ferrari into the kiddie bumper car section at an amusement park.
And let’s not forget the Senators—oh, they’re on the line blender, folks! Adam Gaudette has more goals than any Canuck, which is like finding out your little brother has spent all your pocket money while you were busy stuffing your face with pizza.
In summary, this is a monumental moment for Max Sasson, who’s gone from being tossed around like a cheap taco to potentially spicing up a Canucks lineup that could use some culinary flair. If he manages to throw a nice assist or score a goal, it might just be the sweetest music to those ears that once felt so quiet in the USHL.
Let’s raise a glass to Max Sasson, and remember: in the spa of life, it’s never too late for new beginnings—even if you have to squeeze into those tight hockey pants! Cheers!
Max Sasson is set to make his highly anticipated NHL debut for the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night, stepping in for Jonathan Lekkerimäki, who has been sidelined with injuries.
For Max Sasson, the journey to the NHL has been anything but conventional. After a lackluster start to his hockey career, where he served largely in a depth role during what would be his draft year, Sasson struggled to make a mark. Playing for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in the USHL, he managed to accumulate only 17 points across 62 games, a performance that did little to attract the eyes of NHL scouts and ultimately left him undrafted.
Undeterred, Sasson persevered through two additional seasons in the USHL, proving his tenacity during his 20-year-old season by breaking out offensively and racking up an impressive 49 points in 48 games. This significant improvement opened the doors to college hockey, where he made his NCAA debut at the age of 21 with Western Michigan University.
During his collegiate career, Sasson found his rhythm, showcasing a remarkable two-way game complemented by impressive speed. His sophomore year was particularly impressive, as he recorded 42 points in just 38 games, drawing the attention of NHL scouts and ultimately leading to an entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks.
Sasson’s skill set translated seamlessly to the professional ranks, as he blossomed into one of the Abbotsford Canucks’ top performers last season, accumulating 42 points in 56 AHL games. Now, at 24 years old, Sasson is on the brink of fulfilling his childhood dream, ready to take the ice against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night.
Expressing his heartfelt emotions after Friday’s practice, Sasson reflected on the significance of this moment, stating, “It’s just a ton of emotions and I’m sure it’ll sink in even more. I’m just thinking about all the days at the rink growing up and how much it means to my family and friends and everyone that followed me throughout my career.” His excitement was palpable, especially when he shared the news with his father, whom he affectionately calls “my biggest fan.”
After receiving the heartfelt news, Sasson described his father’s reaction: “He started screaming, started crying. It was a pretty special phone call. It’s his first game too, it feels like. He’s been there the whole way.” This moment of joy not only marks a milestone for Sasson but also a celebration for his family, who have supported him throughout the ups and downs of his hockey journey.
Vancouver Canucks projected lines
While the media presence at practice has been limited, speculation about the Canucks’ lineup continues to swirl. For Saturday’s game, it appears that Sasson will likely join fellow Abbotsford Canucks call-ups Aatu Räty and Arshdeep Bains on the fourth line.
Consequently, this adjustment bumps Nils Höglander up in the lineup, projecting that he will be paired with Danton Heinen and Teddy Blueger on the third line. However, given that Höglander and Elias Pettersson both skated in blue jerseys during Friday’s practice, head coach Rick Tocchet may be considering further changes to optimize team performance.
There’s a possibility that the top line could feature Höglander, Pettersson, and Kiefer Sherwood, which would see Jake DeBrusk shifted down to the third line with Heinen and Blueger. These adjustments illustrate Tocchet’s willingness to experiment with line combinations to find the right fit for his team.
On the defensive side, it remains unclear if Vincent Desharnais will be ready to return, as Noah Juulsen continues to skate with Erik Brännström on the third pairing, a strategic choice likely influenced by the team’s current dynamics.
UPDATE: In an unexpected twist, even though Carson Soucy and Tyler Myers were seen together during pre-game warm-ups, the final lineup had Brännström listed on the second pairing with Myers, while Soucy teamed up with Juulsen. This last-minute switch could signal a significant development in Tocchet’s strategy.
As for the Canucks’ goaltending, Kevin Lankinen has been confirmed as the starting netminder for the matchup, setting the stage for an exciting night on the ice.
Ottawa Senators projected lines
The Senators, under head coach Travis Green, showcased their line blender approach, making notable alterations to maximize offensive potential.
An intriguing subplot to watch is the performance of Adam Gaudette, the former Canuck who unexpectedly leads his team with eight goals in 18 games, outscoring every player on the current Canucks roster. Gaudette’s resurgence emphasizes the shifting dynamics within both clubs.
Joining him in a potent Senators attack, Tim Stützle, Drake Batherson, and Josh Norris are also contributing significantly with eight goals apiece, while Brady Tkachuk adds to the firepower with nine goals to his name. The scoring becomes substantially less consistent thereafter, with veterans like Claude Giroux only managing five goals so far this season.
The projected lines for the Senators include:
Brady Tkachuk – Shane Pinto – Ridly Greig
Claude Giroux – Tim Stützle – Drake Batherson
David Perron – Josh Norris – Michael Amadio
Nick Cousins – Adam Gaudette – Zack MacEwen
On the defensive side, they will likely feature:
Jake Sanderson – Artem Zub
Thomas Chabot – Nick Jensen
Tyler Kleven – Travis Hamonic
In goal, the Senators will rely on Linus Ullmark, who has faced challenges adapting to the defensive demands in Ottawa compared to his previous stint with the Bruins, highlighted by his current .887 save percentage.
How does Max Sasson plan to approach his role on the fourth line during his NHL debut?
**Interview with Max Sasson on His NHL Debut**
**Interviewer:** Max, thanks for joining us today! First off, congratulations on making your NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks! How are you feeling about this milestone?
**Max Sasson:** Thank you! Honestly, it’s just a whirlwind of emotions right now. Growing up, I always dreamed of playing in the NHL, and to finally have that chance is just incredible. It feels surreal, and I’m super grateful for everyone who’s been part of my journey.
**Interviewer:** You’ve had quite the journey to get here—from being undrafted to breaking out in college and now making your debut. What do you think were the key moments that shaped your path?
**Max Sasson:** Definitely the struggles in my early years were tough, but they taught me resilience. When I broke out in my 20-year-old season in the USHL and then transitioned to college, everything clicked. Scoring 42 points in my sophomore year, that was a turning point for me—it’s where I found my rhythm and realized that I could play at a higher level.
**Interviewer:** Your college career at Western Michigan seemed to be a launching pad. What aspect of your game do you think translated best to the AHL and now the NHL?
**Max Sasson:** I’d say my two-way game and speed. In college, I learned to balance offense and defence, and in the AHL, I kept building on that. I think playing fast and making quick decisions will be key for me at the NHL level, especially with the pace of the game.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of the NHL pace, you’re expected to be on the fourth line with some fellow call-ups for your debut against the Ottawa Senators. How do you approach that role?
**Max Sasson:** I just want to bring energy and find ways to contribute. Whether it’s making smart plays, forechecking hard, or getting pucks to the net, I’m here to help the team win. It’s about working hard and seizing the opportunity, regardless of what line I’m on.
**Interviewer:** Your father has been described as your biggest fan. How did he react when you shared the news about your debut?
**Max Sasson:** He was over the moon! He started screaming and crying—it was a really emotional moment for us both. He’s been there every step of the way, through the highs and lows, so to share this milestone with him just means the world to me.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how do you plan to celebrate this moment after the game?
**Max Sasson:** I think after the game, it’ll be about soaking it all in with my family and friends. I have a few close ones coming to the game, and I’m just ready to enjoy the moment. It’s a huge step in my career, and I want to savor it.
**Interviewer:** Well, Max, we wish you the best of luck in your debut! Thank you for sharing your story with us.
**Max Sasson:** Thank you! I appreciate it!
