Max Sasson Bio
Max Sasson (born September 5, 2000) is an American professional ice hockey center for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He developed through the United States Hockey League junior ranks before playing two seasons of college hockey at Western Michigan University. Sasson made his NHL debut in November 2024.
After establishing himself as a productive offensive center in the American Hockey League (AHL), Sasson earned consistent call-ups to Vancouver during the 2024-25 season. He won the Calder Cup with the Abbotsford Canucks in June 2025 and signed a contract extension with Vancouver in December 2025. Sasson also represented the United States men’s national ice hockey team at the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland.
Early Life and Background
Max Sasson was born September 5, 2000, in Birmingham, Michigan, to Alan and Ellen Sasson. He grew up in a family that supported his athletic development from a young age. Birmingham provided access to strong youth hockey programs that helped nurture his early talent and love of the game.
Sasson committed to the junior development path and joined the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the United States Hockey League (USHL). Across two seasons with Cedar Rapids, he appeared in 107 regular season games and recorded 19 goals and 23 assists for a total of 42 points. He built a reputation as a hardworking center capable of producing in a checking role.
In August 2020, the Midwest derecho caused severe structural damage to ImOn Ice Arena in Cedar Rapids, Sasson home rink. As a result, he was dispersed to the Waterloo Black Hawks for the 2020-21 USHL season. The disruption did not slow his development, as he led the Black Hawks with 20 goals and 49 points in 49 games. Leading his new team in scoring demonstrated his ability to adapt and thrive in changing circumstances.
Path to Western Michigan Broncos Hockey
After completing his USHL career, Sasson chose Western Michigan University and joined the Broncos for the 2021-22 season. His transition to NCAA Division I hockey brought a learning curve, as he recorded only three points in his first 18 games. Once he adjusted to the speed and physicality of college hockey, his production rose significantly.
Sasson finished his freshman season with nine goals and 22 points in 37 games. His strong second-half performance earned him NCHC Rookie of the Month honors for January 2022. He also maintained a grade point average of at least 3.50 that year and was named to the NCHC Academic All-Conference Team, highlighting his commitment to balancing athletics and academics.
During the 2022-23 season, Sasson emerged as the Broncos top-line center, playing on a line with Ryan McAllister and Jason Polin. He finished third on the team with 42 points, including 15 goals, and led the Broncos to their best National Collegiate Hockey Conference finish in program history. Sasson earned NCHC Player of the Month for March 2023 after recording ten points in five games, including a hat trick against the Miami RedHawks. In two seasons at Western Michigan, he recorded 24 goals and 64 points in 75 games.
Max Sasson Career
Early Career (2021-2023)
Max Sasson first gained national attention during his USHL seasons with Cedar Rapids and Waterloo from 2019 through 2021. His 49-point season with Waterloo in 2020-21 put him on the radar of college and professional scouts. His two-way game and faceoff ability made him an attractive prospect despite remaining undrafted.
Sasson carried that momentum into his Western Michigan career, where he became one of the most reliable centers in the NCHC. His progression from a slow freshman start to a dominant top-line center in his sophomore year showcased his growth and hockey intelligence. Coaches and teammates praised his work ethic, defensive responsibility, and chemistry with linemates McAllister and Polin.
Vancouver Canucks and AHL Career (2023-Present)
Sasson signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks on March 26, 2023, forgoing his remaining college eligibility. He joined the Abbotsford Canucks, Vancouver AHL affiliate, for the final stretch of the 2022-23 season. Playing on a line with Kyle Rau and Nils Höglander, Sasson recorded three goals and one assist in 13 combined regular season and playoff games.
He spent the 2023 offseason focused on increasing his physicality to handle the demands of professional hockey. In the 2023-24 AHL season, Sasson recorded 18 goals and 42 points in 59 games for Abbotsford. His performance improved significantly after returning from injury in April 2024. He added another goal and two assists in six games of the 2024 Calder Cup playoffs.
Sasson began the 2024-25 season in Abbotsford, leading the team with nine points through the first 16 games. With Brock Boeser and J. T. Miller unavailable, Sasson was called up to Vancouver and made his NHL debut against the Ottawa Senators on November 23, 2024. He recorded his first NHL point in the 4-3 victory, assisting on Teddy Blueger second-period goal. After recording two assists in five games for Vancouver, Sasson was returned to Abbotsford on December 5. He scored his first career NHL goal against the Boston Bruins on December 14, 2024, in a game that the Vancouver Canucks lost 5-1. Sasson helped Abbotsford win the Calder Cup on June 23, 2025.
Sasson began the 2025-26 season with Abbotsford. He was called up to Vancouver on October 14 to replace Braeden Cootes, who was returned to the Seattle Thunderbirds. Sasson signed a two-year, $2 million contract extension with the Canucks on December 15, 2025, keeping him in the organization through the 2026-27 season. He also made his international ice hockey debut at the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland, representing the United States men’s national ice hockey team and recording a goal and an assist in seven preliminary round games.
Driving Style and Strengths
Sasson plays the center position and shoots left. He is known for his two-way reliability, strong faceoff ability, and offensive vision. His offensive production has climbed at every level, from the USHL through college to the AHL. Sasson has shown the ability to produce points consistently while maintaining defensive responsibilities, making him a valuable all-around center.
Notable Events and Milestones
Sasson career milestones include his first career hat trick with Abbotsford during the 2024-25 season, his NHL debut and first NHL point against Ottawa on November 23, 2024, and his first NHL goal against Boston on December 14, 2024. Winning the Calder Cup with Abbotsford on June 23, 2025, marked his first professional championship. Representing the United States at the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland added an international milestone to his resume.
Max Sasson Career Wins
Max Sasson has accumulated career wins and points across the USHL, NCAA Division I, and the American Hockey League. His offensive production has increased at every level, with consistent point totals as a center.
Western Michigan Broncos Highlights
Sasson recorded 24 goals and 64 points in 75 games across two seasons at Western Michigan. His 42-point sophomore season in 2022-23 ranked third on the Broncos and helped the team achieve its best National Collegiate Hockey Conference finish in program history. A hat trick against the Miami RedHawks in March 2023 highlighted his most productive collegiate stretch. His nine goals and 22 points as a freshman in 2021-22 established him as a contributor immediately upon arrival.
Other Wins and Performances
In the USHL, Sasson recorded 19 goals and 42 points in 107 regular season games combined between Cedar Rapids and Waterloo. His 49-point season with Waterloo in 2020-21 led the team in scoring. In the AHL, Sasson tallied 19 goals and 44 points across 66 games between Abbotsford stints, highlighted by an 18-goal, 42-point campaign in 2023-24. His NHL totals currently stand at one goal and two assists in five games.
| Series | Wins | Top Tens | Poles |
|---|---|---|---|
| USHL | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| NCAA (Western Michigan) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| AHL (Abbotsford Canucks) | 19 | N/A | N/A |
| NHL (Vancouver Canucks) | 1 | N/A | N/A |
Max Sasson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Max Sasson was born to Alan and Ellen Sasson in Birmingham, Michigan. His family supported his hockey development from an early age and remained involved in his career decisions, including his choice to attend Western Michigan University. The Sasson family Jewish heritage is an important part of his personal identity.
Personal Life
Sasson celebrated his bar mitzvah at Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He is single and has no publicly reported children. Beyond hockey, he maintains connections to the Detroit area and has spoken about the importance of family support throughout his development from USHL hockey through the professional ranks.
Max Sasson 2025 Season Performance
Max Sasson 2025-26 season began in the American Hockey League with the Abbotsford Canucks. He started the season strong, leading the team in scoring with nine points through 16 games. His production earned him a recall to Vancouver on October 14, 2025, when the Canucks needed center depth following the return of Braeden Cootes to junior hockey.
After his recall to Vancouver in October, Sasson continued to compete for roster time while the Canucks evaluated their forward depth. The organization recognized his value and development by signing him to a two-year, $2 million contract extension on December 15, 2025, locking in his future through the 2026-27 season. The extension reflected the Canucks confidence in his ability to become a regular NHL contributor.
The 2025 season also included international recognition for Sasson, who made his debut with the United States men’s national ice hockey team at the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland. Playing on the third line with Paul Cotter and Mathieu Olivier, Sasson recorded a goal and an assist in seven preliminary round games. His dual role in the AHL, NHL, and on the international stage demonstrated his growing importance as a versatile center across multiple levels of the sport.