Stu Cowan: Tanner Pearson brings expertise and No. 70 to Canadiens

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No. 70 isn’t a preferred one with hockey gamers.

It’s extra of a soccer quantity, nevertheless it’s the one Tanner Pearson was given on the Los Angeles Kings’ rookie camp after they chose him within the first spherical (thirtieth general) of the 2012 NHL Draft.

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Pearson was carrying No. 70 when he helped the Kings win the Stanley Cup in 2014 as a rookie, posting 4-18-12 totals in 24 playoff video games. His linemates have been Jeff Carter and Tyler Toffoli. With Carter carrying No. 77 and Toffoli carrying No. 73 they turned often called the That 70s Line, borrowing from the favored That ’70s Present on TV. Carter had 10-15-25 totals in 26 playoff video games throughout that Stanley Cup run, whereas Toffoli had 7-7-14 totals.

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Pearson was carrying No. 70 for the Canadiens’ season opener Wednesday night time in Toronto in opposition to the Maple Leafs after being acquired from the Vancouver Canucks final month.

When requested after apply Monday in Brossard if he knew he was solely the third participant in Canadiens historical past to put on No. 70, Pearson smiled and stated: “I do. I’ve been notified loads of occasions.”

The opposite two Canadiens to put on No. 70 have been ahead Greg Stewart — who performed 26 video games between 2008 and 2010 — and goalie Michael McNiven — who performed one recreation in 2022.

Pearson stated Toffoli was given No. 73 at rookie camp with the Kings after they chose him within the second spherical (forty seventh general) of the 2010 NHL Draft, whereas Carter selected No. 77 since he was a veteran on the workforce. Toffoli continues to be carrying No. 73 with the New Jersey Devils, whereas Carter nonetheless wears No. 77 with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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After the Kings traded Pearson to the Penguins in 2018, he went again to the No. 14 he had worn since beginning to play hockey as a child and with the junior Barrie Colts of the OHL.

“It didn’t go as deliberate, so then I went again to 70,” Pearson stated about his 44-game stint with the Penguins earlier than they traded him to the Canucks, the place he wore No. 70 for 5 seasons earlier than being dealt to the Canadiens.

Pearson, 31, was restricted to 14 video games final season with the Canucks due to a damaged hand and issues from a number of surgical procedures that adopted. There was some extent when the Kitchener, Ont., native puzzled if he would ever play once more. The Canadiens are hoping Pearson can keep wholesome and supply a veteran presence on a younger, rebuilding workforce.

“He’s a professional,” head coach Martin St. Louis stated. “You may inform why he’s been within the league for a very long time and he’s been on profitable groups.”

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Pearson is beginning the season on a line with fellow veterans Sean Monahan, who turns 29 on Thursday, and 31-year-old Brendan Gallagher. Mixed they’ve greater than 2,000 video games of NHL expertise, together with playoffs.

“I believe we’re all three hard-working guys and might deal with the puck fairly effectively, too,” Pearson stated. “Hopefully we are able to get it of their zone and forecheck, get it again and begin engaged on our recreation from there. … That is the kind of line that may assist whether or not we get placed on a sure job each night time or attempt to be the checking line. We are able to lean again on our historical past and never get too excessive or too low.”

Pearson stated his recreation has needed to evolve from the times he was on the That 70s Line in Los Angeles, however work ethic has all the time been the important thing to his success.

“Me and Ty being two younger guys (with the Kings), we simply saved it fairly easy,” Pearson stated. “Didn’t wish to screw up. After we have been there (with Darryl Sutter as head coach) for those who made the unsuitable play you’re most likely sitting on the bench. It was fairly black and white. You knew your job.  Carts had a lot velocity down the center, may draw defenders to him and kick it out to Ty and I. Ty was most likely top-of-the-line shooters that I’ve performed with. He all the time discovered these gentle spots. He had such a great knack of realizing what to do and it made it fairly simple enjoying with these two.

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“I believe I’ve all the time been a hard-working man and I’ve tried to stick with that each shift,” Pearson added. “As you become old, you undoubtedly must evolve and alter your recreation. The sport will get quicker. From once I received within the league to now, I used to be form of proper on the cusp of old skool to new college. It’s totally different, however I really feel I’ve accomplished a great job of that.”

Pearson continues to be adjusting to life in Montreal. He has been impressed by St. Louis as a coach and believes the Canadiens have a great mixture of younger and older gamers.

When requested if he’s beginning to get acknowledged round city, Pearson chuckled and stated: “No, no. Come on. I’m not a type of guys. I may stroll out with nothing on and never be acknowledged.”

Possibly he’d get acknowledged if he wore his No. 70 sweater.

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