The Kings took care of a bit of business today inking 2012 first-round pick Tanner Pearson to his first NHL contract.
Pearson’s three-year entry-level deal is the standard so the details are moot. Pearson was taken 30th overall by the Kings by virtue of them winning the Stanley Cup.
As Rich Hammond of L.A. Kings Insider notes, Pearson is a special case as he turns 20 years-old next week meaning he won’t necessarily have to return to Barrie in the OHL and can, instead, go right to the AHL to start his pro career. Most draft picks are either 18 or 19 so going straight to the AHL is not an option.
Pearson had 37 goals and 91 points for Barrie last season.