Saturday will be a special day for Max Sasson as he will make his NHL debut when the Vancouver Canucks visit the Ottawa Senators. An undrafted free agent, Sasson has played 16 games in the AHL with the Abbotsford Canucks this season and is tied for the team lead with nine points. Before signing with the organization in 2023, Sasson spent two seasons in the NCAA with Western Michigan University, recording 64 points in 75 games. When Sasson hits the ice on Saturday, he will become the 24th skater and 27th player to dress for the Canucks this season.
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After practice on Friday, Sasson spoke to the media about his call-up to the NHL. The 24-year-old center revealed that he received the news from Abbotsford General Manager Ryan Johnson while the team was in Henderson. When asked about the call-up, Sasson said, “Just a ton of emotions. I’m sure it will sink in even more, but thinking about all the days at the rink growing up and how much it means to my family, my friends and everyone that followed me throughout my career. Really special day.”
“Called my dad. He’s probably my biggest fan…He started screaming, started crying. Pretty special phone call. It’s his first game too it feels like.”
🗣 Hear from Max Sasson on getting the call-up to play in his first NHL game. pic.twitter.com/WBGq0TsjvH
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) November 22, 2024
Sasson also spoke about calling his dad with the news. Sasson said, “He’s probably my biggest fan. He’s been there the whole way. He started screaming. He 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 too as well as my whole family.”
With Sasson’s family living in Michigan, the commute to Ottawa should not be difficult. According to Sasson, he has already arranged flights for family members to attend his first career game. While Sasson did not give the total number of family members who will be in attendance, he should have a big cheering section on Saturday.
Related: “Right Now, I Feel The Best I Have All Year,” How Max Sasson Went From Undrafted Free Agent To One Of The Vancouver Canucks Top Prospects
Sasson and the Canucks take on the Senators Saturday at the Canadian Tire Centre. Last season, Vancouver won both meetings against Ottawa, including a 5-2 victory on the road. Game time is set for 4:00 pm PT.
