Nearly a year ago, Tanner Pearson was juggling in his head between returning to the game or quitting. To put it in his words: Both scenarios remained 50% plausible.
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“I’ve had a crazy year,” said Pearson in his first appearance in front of the media in Montreal. That’s the least I can say. I have experienced some challenges but am happy with my progress. If someone had told me almost a year ago that I would return to this level, I would have accepted it in a heartbeat.
Last season he suffered an injury to his left hand. He was injured on November 9th in the Canucks’ 5-2 loss to the Canadiens at the Bell Centre.
“It was a strange game,” he recalled. I ran to the corner and spread my fingers.”
In November, Pearson finally underwent surgery on his left hand, but then lost significant time due to an infection following the operation. He has reportedly gone under the knife five times since the first procedure.
When asked about this topic, Number 70 didn’t really dare to come back to this story.
“I wouldn’t have enough time to explain.”
“I won’t go into detail about the operations,” he continued. I know people would like to know this. It’s a big topic. But I won’t talk about it.”
In good health
At a press conference the day after the trade with the Canucks involving goaltender Casey DeSmith, Kent Hughes said of Pearson that he was about 80% recovered.
“No, I would say it’s more than that,” Pearson added. I prefer to speak 90% of my strengths. I am very happy with the progress.”
The CH manager also described his arrival as a player who will add a little gray hair to his team.
“I saw that,” the winger replied with a smile. But yes, I want to be a mentor for young people. I had this role in Vancouver. It’s different when you arrive with new teammates. I’ll probably stay more discreet at first. When I feel more comfortable, I take up more space.”
“I was the oldest forward in Vancouver for two years. It’s nothing new.”
A predictable transaction
The 31-year-old Pearson only wore the Canucks jersey for 14 games last year. He scored one goal and added four assists.
He wasn’t surprised when he got the call from Canucks GM Patrik Allvin announcing his departure.
“Honestly, I kind of expected it,” he admitted. I’ve been playing in the NHL long enough to understand what can happen. I had mixed feelings. I was very close to the players in Vancouver. But I’m looking forward to a new beginning. I needed a new environment.”
In Montreal, Pearson will reunite with a former teammate from Canada’s 2012 Junior World Championships.
“I already know a few Canadian players. I played with Brendan Gallagher at the World Juniors. Unfortunately, I lived with him! I know Monahan, Anderson, Suzuki.”
And Pearson, a Kings alum, is still good friends with Tyler Toffoli.
“Tof was very happy for me. He texted me after my conversation with (Patrik) Allvin. He spread the word faster than anyone else. He really enjoyed his days in Montreal and was happy for me.”