When we talk about prospects, I like to talk about the concept of having “runway” with which to develop, meaning that the longer a prospect has to develop before his chances of making the jump to the NHL, the more “runway” he has.
Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen profiles Red Wings prospect and recently re-signed center Chase Pearson today, and Pearson, who is 24 going on 25 this August (and is 6’3″ and 203 pounds), very simply needs to make the jump to the Red Wings’ roster sometime this upcoming season, or he may need to pursue other opportunities.
He’s running out of runway at an alarming rate, as Allen notes:
The Detroit Red Wings brass may believe Chase Pearson can play in the NHL. What they don’t know is whether he can make a difference in the NHL.
Grand Rapids coach Ben Simon told Pearson at his season-ending meeting that his focus coming into the 2022-23 season must be on proving he has the drive to take that next step. Two seasons ago, Pearson had a strong AHL season. He posted eight goals and 22 points in 28 games. But last season, Pearson had less of an impact for the Griffins.
“We just have to make sure he’s ready to go next season,” Simon said.
Pearson, 24, did get three games with the Red Wings and didn’t look out of place. Even if he’s a bottom six forward, the Red Wings need him to do more than just blend in.
He’s a 6-foot-3 center with a strong understanding of how he needs to play to be effective.The Red Wings believe in him enough to sign him for another season. But they want to see more from him, more consistency and more production.
Allen continues, wondering aloud whether another team might pluck Pearson off the waiver wire if/when he’s sent to Grand Rapids this fall.
My assessment is that he would not be picked as a no-longer-waiver-exempt player, mostly because he experienced a bumpy 2021-2022 season, but I do believe that he’s going to be a fine checking-line center somewhere, and that his skill set and work ethic are NHL-worthy. I’m just no longer certain whether he’ll “make the jump” with the Red Wings.
