Tanner Pearson’s message when he appeared before the media on Thursday was crystal clear.
Think about all the possible variations of the need for a new start, of the guy who no longer thinks about the past, who looks forward: it’s been said.
It must be said that the last time he put on skates in an NHL game, it was more or less memorable. It was in Montreal on November 9. That evening, Pearson had:
The first three elements are anecdotal. The fourth, a little less, because it was this fracture that ended up costing him the last 68 games of the season, due to complications.
” It was an accident. I was near the tape, and my fingers spread,” he described to the contingent of journalists Thursday morning in Brossard.
These are essentially the only details that he was willing to reveal about the fiasco that was this injury, other than that he suspected that a transaction was in the works. “I’ve been in the league long enough to understand the cues even if they don’t tell me anything. I suspected something would happen. »
More details on managing his injury? “I won’t go into those details. It’s a big topic, I know people want to know everything. It won’t come from me. »
The timeline of his multiple operations? “We don’t have enough time for that!” » The Kitchenerian has the wit to dodge less pleasant questions.
Did he fear his career was over? “Yes, probably. But we’re not there, so I don’t think about it. […] I hope this is the last day I talk about it. I guess it’s not, but I hope it is! »
As much as he wants to avoid the subject, trying to forget it, he is left with a long purple scar which, like Saint-Laurent Boulevard, separates the east and west of his left hand.
Pearson, however, is on track to be ready on October 11th. He estimates he started skating again in June, “without a puck, but at least I was on the ice.”
His fitness is advanced enough for him to fully participate on day 1 of camp. During the afternoon intrasquad game, he skated as part of a trio with youngsters Sean Farrell and Riley Kidney.
Also on Wednesday, Kent Hughes and Martin St-Louis had moderated expectations, placing more emphasis on the leadership qualities and experience of the newcomer. Pearson agreed. He plans to bring “leadership. I play a certain style, in a straight line, along the ramps. I arrive in another team where I am a senior. It’s good to see young faces again, it energizes me. »
His teammates certainly seem happy to see him arrive here. In addition to those he already knew, former CH Tyler Toffoli visibly had good words about him.
“He’s a good addition, he won the Stanley Cup,” recalled Nick Suzuki. I know him a little because we skated together in the summer. He’s a good team player and you need experienced guys. Many of our guys haven’t experienced much of the NHL yet. »
Pearson says he knows Josh Anderson, Sean Monahan and Nick Suzuki, the team’s Ontario player. “And Brendan Gallagher at the World Junior Championship. We were roommates. Unfortunately ! »
It clearly didn’t take him long to identify who everyone’s favorite pain in this locker room is.