​A little over a week ago, the Vancouver Canucks announced the signing of forward Paul Cotter to a one-year contract worth a total of $2.15 million. The 2018 fourth-round pick by the Vegas Golden Knights has spent his NHL career with both Vegas and the New Jersey Devils, and now he will aim to continue his professional journey with the Canucks as he enters what will be his sixth NHL season. While Vancouver’s forward lineup will become more defined at the start of the season, Cotter is expected to slot into a bottom-six role. He is versatile enough to play both center and wing, though recent usage has seen him shifted to the wing more frequently.
Interestingly, Cotter’s most recent linemate has faced a somewhat similar situation over the past several months and could potentially rejoin Cotter as his center when the 2026–27 season begins. Max Sasson began his NHL career largely at center but was moved to the wing late this past season. At the 2026 IIHF World Championship, Sasson was moved back to center, and one of his most consistent linemates during the tournament was Cotter. The two Canucks forwards combined for Sasson’s first point and Cotter’s first goal of the tournament in their very first game together, contributing to a productive start for Team USA.
Sasson and Cotter continued to line up together for the remainder of the tournament, often alongside Mathieu Olivier, with both Canucks forwards averaging just under 14 minutes per game as part of Team USA’s identity line. The trio combined physicality with a steady offensive contribution from the depth roles, delivering a blend of toughness and scoring depth that proved valuable for the team.
Given their prior on-ice chemistry from their Team USA days, there is always a possibility that Cotter and Sasson could end up sharing a line again for the Canucks. A potential third member, such as a scrappier veteran like Brendan Gallagher, could round out a high-identity third or fourth line that Vancouver could rely on during the regular season and into the playoffs. The combination of Cotter’s versatility, Sasson’s recent versatility in position, and a projected physical, competitive presence on the wing could form a productive depth unit for Vancouver.
As the season approaches, Canucks fans will want to keep an eye on how Cotter and Sasson build their on-ice rapport, and whether Vancouver rotates in a consistency-driven third line that leans on their grit and responsible two-way play. The potential for the Cotter-Sasson pairing to emerge as a recognizable, steadying force for Vancouver’s lower lines adds an intriguing subplot to the team’s overall forward group. The organization’s depth chart, and how Cotter integrates with Sasson and other contributors, will be worth watching as the Canucks aim to maximize their scoring depth while maintaining a strong, reliable defensive structure.
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