The Los Angeles Kings signed forward Tanner Pearson to a two-year contract extension on Thursday prompting many hockey experts to ask the question: is he worth it? Pearson got off to a hot start to the 2014-2015 NHL season, but he cooled off significantly in December before breaking his left leg in January.
Pearson’s deal is worth $2.8 million over the next two seasons with his annual salaries expected to be at $1.25 million and $1.55 million, respectively. The young forward was the 30th overall pick by the Kings in the 2012 NHL draft and has become an important part of the team over the past two seasons.
In addition to Jeff Carter and Tyler Toffoli, Pearson makes up the infamous That 70s Line, which helped the Kings win the Stanley Cup last season. The prolific trio is each under the age of 30, and could be together for many years to come. The line was off to a torrid start this year as well with Pearson scoring 12 goals in 42 games before crashing feet first into the boards and breaking his leg against the Winnipeg Jets. If the 22-year-old had continued at that pace, he would have scored 23 goals over the full 82-game season.
Pearson was set to become a restricted free agent this summer, and could have been playing elsewhere this October had the Kings not re-signed him. Despite being out with injury, Pearson has become an integral part of the team and his numbers are quite solid for a developing player.
With a cap hit of just $1.4 million the Kings can afford to sign Pearson in hopes his upward trajectory continues. All in all, the deal is fair for both sides and if Pearson can remain on the ice, he should give the Kings tremendous value over the next two seasons. Next on the agenda for LA will be to re-sign Pearson’s linemate, Toffoli, who is also set to become a restricted free agent this summer.
