Former Los Angeles Kings first round pick signs with division rival

The Las Vegas Knights earlier this week announced they had reached an agreement for a professional tryout with forward Tanner Pearson. The 32-year old is looking to extend his NHL career, one that started with the Los Angeles Kings.

Pearson was the 30th overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Los Angeles Kings and would make his NHL debut one year later during the 2013-2014 season. He would play 25 games during the regular season before contributing in their run to the first ever Stanley Cup in franchise history.

In the 24 playoff games as a rookie, Pearson had three goals and eight assists for the Kings. He would go on to play in 325 games over six seasons for the Kings with 144 points and a +/- of 34. His best seasons with the Kings came during the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 seasons when he had over 40 points each season with nearly 40 goals during that stretch.

The Kings would trade Pearson early in the 2018-19 season to the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, he didn't stay there long before being traded again that season to the Vancouver Canucks. Pearson spent five seasons before playing last year with the Montreal Canadiens.

Tanner Pearson has a good chance to make Vegas Golden Knights' roster

While the Las Vegas Golden Knights did sign Pearson, it was only on a professional tryout and his roster is far from guaranteed. However, he has a pretty good chance with how weak the Knights are on the wing.

Pearson can provide solid depth and be another veteran presence for their front line. The Los Angeles Kings are almost certainly going to be playing against their former draft pick as the Kings play the Knights in the second preseason game of the upcoming season, which is in Las Vegas on September 25th.