NHL Rumors: Top Insider David Pagnotta reports $9,750,000 Montreal Canadiens forward will not re-sign with Habs

By Anjum Rajonno

Modified May 31, 2024 07:05 GMT

Montreal Canadiens veteran winger Tanner Pearson has completed the final season of his three-year $9,750,000 contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in July. Pearson will not be re-signing with the Habs this summer, according to NHL insider David Pagnotta.

Pearson joined the Montreal Canadiens last September in a trade from the Vancouver Canucks. Montreal acquired him in exchange for goaltender Casey DeSmith after Pearson struggled with injuries, including a fractured hand that required three surgeries.

With his current contract nearing its end, negotiations for a possible extension seem unlikely. NHL Network’s David Pagnotta reported Pearson will not be renewing terms with the team once his contract expires this summer.

According to him, Pearson will begin to consider his options as he approaches the start of free agency in July. Pagnotta also mentioned that Pearson will be a valuable addition to the middle lines for any team looking to strengthen its roster.

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Tanner Pearson on contract extension and ‘funky’ year with Montreal Canadiens

Earlier in February, Pearson had addressed his contract situation and decreased role with the Montreal Canadiens. He mentioned the recurring injury woes that originally prevented him from maintaining consistency on the ice.

“This year has kind of definitely been funky for that,” Pearson said. “I was able to break the last (funk) but then got hurt and it kept tumbling again. It definitely felt good to get that one.” [H/T Montreal Gazette]

Pearson said that the prospect of a contract extension was always in the back of his mind, but he focused on performing well:

“Every game matters to me. That’s the way I look at it. It’s definitely back there. Obviously, you want to put yourself in the best position possible to keep on going.”

He believed he still had a lot of good hockey left to offer despite the challenges he faced with injuries over the past two seasons.

“I think I still do have a lot of good hockey left in me. Last year kind of hurt and, this year, it’s (also) there too much. I’ve kept the noise out and kept playing,” he said.

Tanner Pearson had five goals, eight assists and a plus-minus of -12 in 54 games this season. Now it remains to be seen where the 31-year-old will find harbor in the league after he hits free agency.