Canucks place forward Tanner Pearson on long-term injured reserve

Vancouver Canucks general manager announced Friday that forward Tanner Pearson has been placed on long-term injured reserve.

Pearson will miss the remainder of the 2022-23 season with a hand injury he suffered back on Nov. 9 against the Montreal Canadiens.

He initially underwent surgery soon after the injury and was expected only to miss four-to-six weeks.

However, on Jan. 12 it was announced the winger had undergone his third hand surgery since November, and would miss the remainder of the 2022-23 season.

The handling of Pearson's injury then became a major talking point, with teammate Quinn Hughes telling reporters Pearson’s recovery “wasn’t handled properly.” Hughes' comment sparked a firestorm of questions surrounding the credibility of the Canucks’ medical staff, and an internal investigation from the front office.

After the investigation, Canucks president Jim Rutherford told reporters the organization is comfortable with how the situation was handled.

Hughes then also walked back his comments, saying his intent wasn't to place blame on anyone.

“I'm emotional just like everyone else. I wasn't trying to direct blame at anyone. I don't think it's really anyone's fault, it's just an unfortunate situation,” Hughes said. “But in a situation like that, of course I care about my teammates and, you know, I hate to see a guy go through hell like that. … Everyone's trying their best and, like I said, that (comment) wasn't directed at anyone.

Pearson played in just 14 games for the Canucks this season, scoring one goal and dishing out four assists. Vancouver currently sits sixth in the Pacific Division with a 21-30-4 record.