Report: Tanner Pearson has had 6-7 surgeries, “still too early to tell” if he will play next season

It’s been a frustrating road to recovery for Tanner Pearson.

According to a report from Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie and Dhali — The Team, Pearson has had 6-7 surgeries so far, and the hope is that he is done with surgeries. Here’s what Dhaliwal had to say:

Pearson’s hand injury has been a subject of conversation for some time now, the discussion accelerated when Quinn Hughes told reporters the injury “wasn’t handled right.” Pearson’s original timeline for a return was four weeks, which means he was slated to return in mid-December. This led to an internal investigation by the Canucks that found no wrongdoing. Hughes further explained his statement in the days that followed.

“I think everyone wants to see [Tanner] in the lineup,” Hughes said. “He’s been a good fit, a guy that’s played a long time. Anyone that knows me knows… I’m a guy that tries my best every game and shows up and cares about his teammates. So of course, I’m emotional just like everyone else. I wasn’t trying to direct blame at anyone. I don’t think it’s really anyone’s fault. It’s just an unfortunate situation. But in a situation like that, of course I care about my teammates and, you know, I hate to see a guy go through hell like that.”

The Canucks initially acquired Pearson from the Pittsburgh Penguins back on Feb. 25, 2019, sending defenceman Erik Gudbranson the other way in the deal. Pearson is under contract through the end of the 2023–24 season at a $3.25 million annual NHL cap hit. He’s played parts of five seasons with the Canucks, topping out at 21 goals and 45 points in 69 games with the club in 2019–20.

In February, the Canucks placed Pearson on Long Term Injured Reserve.