Tanner Pearson’s name should be added to the list of people almost certain to be visiting the market in July. The Stanley Cup champion from 2014 will not be re-signed by the Canadiens, according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.
This will be the 31-year-old’s first season of unrestricted free agency. Throughout his 11-year career, he has only traded to three different organizations.
The last two seasons have not been kind to Pearson, as he has missed a lot of time because of injuries. In just 14 games with the Canucks in 2022–23, Pearson managed just one goal and required three hand surgeries.
Quinn Hughes, a teammate at the time, made remarks on his prolonged stay on long-term injured reserve, alleging that the team’s medical staff was not adequately attending to his ailment. This led to a brief investigation by the NHLPA.
He was free to play when he reported to training camp in September of last year, but the Canucks traded him to the Canadiens for backup goaltender Casey DeSmith along with a 2025 third-round pick due to a cap shortage in Vancouver.
In 54 games with the Habs, Pearson—who cost $3.25 million this season—was only able to muster five goals, eight assists, 13 points, and a -12 rating.
When the trade deadline drew closer, there was considerable interest in him, but at the time, reports said none of the bids were compelling enough to get general manager Kent Hughes to make a move.
After averaging 12:56 per game for Montreal, his lowest usage since his Cup-winning rookie season with the Kings, Pearson now departs for nothing.
Having been selected in the first round by Los Angeles in 2012, Pearson has played for the Canadiens, Canucks, Kings, and Penguins in 644 games, totaling 285 points and 138 goals.
In his report, Pagnotta called him “a quality mid-six add for a contender,” but after failing to make an impact on a team that was rebuilding, he probably starts the season as an extra forward or fourth line player. Out of 368 forwards who have played more than 50 games this season, his 0.24 points per game placed him 316th.
Despite his poor performance lately, he won’t cost much on his next contract, and two years prior to his hand injury, he did record 14 goals and 34 points in 68 games for the Canucks. Evolving Hockey predicts he will sign a $1 million, one-year contract.
