Tanner Pearson, Forward/Montreal Canadiens
There were just a few players worth seriously considering in Montreal, and Tanner Pearson was the best of a bad group. He’s never been a major scorer, logging no more than 45 points and 21 goals in a season, but that was all the way back in 2019-20, and he was also still playing in the top-six at that point in his career.
Pearson has logged just 12:53 of average total ice time, his lowest since the 2013-14 season when he played in 25 games for the Los Angeles Kings. So, like a couple of names on this list, he would be one for the bottom-six, but if the Sabres rediscovered their high-scoring mentality, that’s all Pearson would need to play.
He would bring a new edge to the lower lines, as Pearson has registered nearly a hit to just over a hit per game this season. The Sabres could use more help while short-handed, and Pearson gives them that, even if he’s better suited for the second penalty kill unit.
Since he hasn’t been anywhere near as productive offensively since 2019-20, Pearson’s next salary and overall contract length also shouldn’t be an issue. Look for a smaller number and perhaps one-to-two years unless he enjoys a remarkable final two weeks to the season.