When Tanner Pearson was with the Montreal Canadiens, the hope was that he would be a solid veteran on a young team. The former first-round pick scored five goals and eight assists in 54 games, giving minimal production to the Canadiens. It's a far cry from when he was with the Los Angeles Kings, where he was a modest success.
He scored 69 goals and 75 assists in six seasons with the Kings. He also enjoyed some success with the Vancouver Canucks, scoring 55 goals and 59 assists in five seasons. In 11 years, he's scored 138 goals and 147 assists. He's become a journeyman player and will get another opportunity with the Vegas Golden Knights. This time, he's getting a tryout in Las Vegas to become a regular team member and add depth.
Golden Knights have signed forward Tanner Pearson to a PTO. The 32-year-old has played just 68 games the past two seasons due to multiple surgeries.
— Danny Webster (@DannyWebster21) August 20, 2024
Getting Pearson on a PTO allows him to revitalize his career. Given the Golden Knights need forward depth, the former first-round pick can make his presence felt on the lower lines. But what are some things he must avoid to make his time useful if he makes the team? Is there space for the former Canadiens forward on the Golden Knights?
Transitioning from the Montreal Canadiens to the Vegas Golden Knights for Tanner Pearson
The Vegas Golden Knights are a vastly different team from the Montreal Canadiens. They're focused on their forecheck, where they can squeeze their opponents and create turnovers. That also involves a checking aspect, which is up Pearson's alley. The forward has 857 career hits in his 11 years, which is a decent number. He should slot into the defensive side of Bruce Cassidy's system perfectly, giving them more of a physical bite.
However, that has led to numerous surgeries that have kept Tanner Pearson out of commission. Most recently, he's dealt with upper body injuries that have shelved him for 28 games. He's also dealt with hand injuries that have cut into his playing time, leaving him sidelined. Making the tryout and standing out will come first. After that, it's a matter of staying upright and not being sidelined.
If Pearson can do these things, he'll make the most of his time in Las Vegas. The Golden Knights need bodies at the forward position, specifically on the wing. Given his experience on the left side, he can give the team more scoring depth if he makes the squad. Of course, it starts with one tiny step before making a gigantic leap elsewhere.