The Vegas Golden Knights have made a strategic addition to their roster by signing veteran forward Tanner Pearson to a Professional Tryout Offer (PTO) on Tuesday. Pearson, a seasoned NHL player, is looking to make an impact and secure a spot in the Golden Knights’ lineup for the 2024-25 season. The 32-year-old spent last season with the Montreal Canadiens, where he registered five goals and eight assists across 54 games. This opportunity with Vegas represents a chance for Pearson to extend his career in the NHL and demonstrate his value as a reliable forward.
Pearson’s NHL journey began when he was selected 30th overall in the first round of the 2012 NHL Draft by the Los Angeles Kings. He has since played for four NHL teams, including the Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Vancouver Canucks, and Montreal Canadiens, over an 11-season career. Pearson’s most notable achievement came early in his career when he won the Stanley Cup with the Kings in 2014. Throughout his career, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound left winger has accumulated 138 goals and 147 assists in 644 regular season games. His postseason experience is also considerable, with nine goals and 14 assists in 51 playoff games, adding depth and experience to any team’s roster.
In the upcoming season, Pearson will be competing for a fourth-line role with the Golden Knights. His recent stint with the Canadiens saw him average 12:56 of ice time per game, though he finished the season with a minus-12 rating. Injuries have plagued Pearson in recent years; a hand injury in the 2022-23 season that seemed minor at first eventually required six to seven surgeries, significantly limiting his playing time. Despite these setbacks, Pearson remains determined to prove his worth in the NHL.
A native of Kitchener, Ontario, Pearson made $3.25 million last season before becoming an unrestricted free agent on July 1. His addition to the Golden Knights on a PTO suggests that he is willing to put in the work to secure a spot on a competitive roster, bringing a mix of experience, determination, and a winning pedigree to Vegas as they prepare for the new season.
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