Basile Sansonnens Memorial Cup performance raises questions for Vancouver Canucks

When the puck dropped to start the 2025 Memorial Cup, all eyes were on Vancouver Canucks prospect Basile Sansonnens , who plays defense for the Rimouski Océanic . Expectations were high for Sansonnens to make a strong impression, but his performance left many fans and analysts puzzled. Paired with 20-year-old defenseman Jack Martin, Sansonnens struggled throughout the game as Rimouski fell 4-3 to the Medicine Hat Tigers . His final plus/minus rating was a disappointing -2, raising questions about his readiness for the next level.


A tough start for Canucks prospect Basile Sansonnens



Sansonnens’ debut at the Memorial Cup wasn’t just below expectations, it was concerning. The 19-year-old defenseman appeared hesitant and out of sync for much of the game, often trailing the play. For a player who is expected to be a future part of the Canucks’ blue line, this was a stark reminder that potential alone doesn’t guarantee success.


Adding to the drama, the Medicine Hat Tigers featured familiar connections to the Canucks organization. Former Canucks head coach Willie Desjardins is now coaching Medicine Hat, and Ryder Ritchie, son of ex-Canuck Byron Ritchie, was a standout performer. Ryder scored a goal and took four shots on net, showing a level of confidence and composure that contrasted sharply with Sansonnens’ shaky night.


What’s next for Basile Sansonnens and the Rimouski Océanic?


After the loss, Sansonnens and his Rimouski teammates have a day off before facing the London Knights. The Knights, making their second straight Memorial Cup appearance, boast a roster packed with NHL-drafted talent and are hungry for a championship. Sansonnens will need to quickly bounce back if he wants to prove he belongs among the top prospects in the tournament.


The pressure is definitely building for Sansonnens, with Canucks fans watching every move. One tough game can be forgiven, but continued struggles could hurt his chances of standing out in Vancouver. The Memorial Cup is a place where players make their names or lose them.

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With so much talent and competition in this tournament, Sansonnens is at a crucial crossroads. It’s a make-or-break moment, and how he responds could shape the future of his NHL career.