Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff suggests that the Red Wings should recall Chase Pearson from the Grand Rapids Griffins after Pearson’s strong start in the AHL:
When you get right down to it, the guy who is making the most sense to be the recall is Chase Pearson. Prior to acquiring [Mitchell] Stephens from the Tampa Bay Lightning, Pearson was the guy the Wings were penciling in as the team’s No. 4 center. It’s the role the team is projecting him to fill as an NHLer.
Certainly, Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill liked some elements of Pearson’s game in training camp.
“He’s a big body,” Blashill said. “He knows how to use his body. He’s got pretty good defensive instincts.”
The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder is showing 3-6-9 numbers through 11 AHL games. Pearson is also 24. His window to make something happen is smaller than many of the other prospects in GR.
Pearson will be a restricted free agent next season. Shouldn’t the Wings at least get a peek at him in the NHL before offering him a new deal? And opportunity to do that is knocking right now.
Continued; given Pearson’s age and production level in the AHL, I’d argue that he’s NHL-ready anyway, maybe over Carter Rowney or Givani Smith, but what do I know.
