Tanner Pearson is heading to Las Vegas.
The Vegas Golden Knights announced they signed the forward to a professional tryout and he will join the team for training camp in September.
The 32-year-old has played for the Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens throughout his 11-season NHL career, winning a Stanley Cup with the Kings in 2014 during his rookie season.
During his five-year stint with the Canucks, Pearson struggled with injuries — including his final season in Vancouver, where he played just 14 games before he was shut down with a hand injury. The winger underwent three separate surgeries during his recovery.
At the time, then-teammate Quinn Hughes told reporters that he felt Pearson’s recovery “wasn’t handled properly” by the team, which sparked a firestorm of questions regarding the credibility of the Canucks’ medical staff and an internal investigation by the team’s front office. Following the investigation, president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford said he was satisfied with how Pearson’s injury was handled.
When asked directly about Hughes’ remarks in April 2023, Pearson declined to comment.
“The people who need to know, know,” Pearson said at the time. “Look, I’m just trying to get my hand back. I’m just trying to go home, be a dad and play with my kids, it sucks.”
Pearson wouldn’t play for the Canucks after that, instead being traded to the Canadiens ahead of the 2023-24 season in exchange for goaltender Casey DeSmith. He played 54 games for the Canadiens, scoring five goals and 13 points.
Since his debut in the 2013-14 season, Pearson has 138 goals and 285 points in 644 games. He was selected 30th overall by the Kings at the 2012 NHL Draft.
Tanner Pearson, a veteran forward in the NHL, has recently signed a professional tryout contract with the Vegas Golden Knights. The 29-year-old Canadian winger will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially earn a spot on the team’s roster for the upcoming season.
Pearson, who was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the 2012 NHL Draft, has spent the majority of his career with the Kings before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019. He then signed a four-year contract extension with the Vancouver Canucks in 2020.
Known for his scoring ability and physical play, Pearson brings a wealth of experience to the Golden Knights. In his nine seasons in the NHL, he has recorded over 300 points and has proven to be a reliable contributor on both ends of the ice.
The Golden Knights, who are looking to bolster their forward depth heading into the new season, see Pearson as a potential asset to their lineup. With his combination of skill and experience, he could provide a valuable presence on the ice and help the team compete at a high level.
While signing a professional tryout contract does not guarantee a spot on the roster, Pearson will have the opportunity to prove himself during training camp and preseason games. If he impresses the coaching staff and management, he could earn a contract and become a key player for the Golden Knights in the upcoming season.
Overall, Tanner Pearson signing a professional tryout contract with the Vegas Golden Knights is an exciting development for both the player and the team. Fans will be eager to see how he performs and whether he can secure a spot on the roster for the upcoming season.