Vancouver Canucks forward Tanner Pearson, injured in the game against the Montreal Canadiens, underwent hand surgery on Thursday and will be out of action for more than a month.
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The 30-year-old left winger was forced to sit out Wednesday’s game, which the Habs won 5-2 at the Bell Centre. The Canucks had indicated that Pearson would not be returning to the game due to an undisclosed injury, but the worst was yet to come.
The Ontarian will miss four to six weeks to heal his hand after going under the knife. This absence will allow him to regain his touch, which has accumulated just five points, including one goal, in 14 games. It also maintained a -9 differential.
To make up for Pearson’s absence, the Canucks recalled center Sheldon Dries from the American League. The American has picked up a point in four games at the big club this season.
Vancouver, good for 11 points 4-7-3, will continue its five-game streak by visiting the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.