Vancouver Canucks sign NCAA free agent Max Sasson to entry-level deal

The Vancouver Canucks have been rumored to be interested in a few college standouts – and they’ve finally landed one.

The Canucks announced that they have signed forward Max Sasson to a two-year entry-level contract, starting in 2023-24. He’ll report to the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks on an amateur tryout contract for the rest of the season.

“He is coming off a very strong year with Western Michigan and has shown continual improvement in his game each of the last few seasons,” GM Patrik Allvin said in a team statement. “We look forward to watching him develop at the professional level with our staff in Vancouver and Abbotsford.”

The 22-year-old center is a tremendous dual threat as a shooter and a passer. Sasson’s two-year run at Western Michigan saw him record 24 goals and 64 points in 75 games, highlighted by his 42-point run this year. Before going to college, Sasson finished his USHL career with Waterloo by scoring 49 points in 49 games, showing steady improvement year-to-year.

Sasson can be feisty, but he’s far more controlled and reserved for the most part compared to his junior days. He’s fast, plays a competent two-way game and the points followed him all season long.

Sasson gives the Canucks – still in retool mode – a pro-ready prospect that can step in and fight for a bottom-six role next year. There’s definitely the potential to move up, especially after seeing his progress over the past few years, but it’s always smart to temper expectations when signing undrafted college free agents.