The NHLPA is stepping in to take a closer look at how the Vancouver Canucks handled a hand injury to forward Tanner Pearson.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday he believes the Players’ Association will meet with Pearson’s camp early next week in an effort to help resolve the situation, which was thrust into the spotlight following comments from teammate Quinn Hughes that suggested the injury “wasn’t handled properly.”
“[The NHLPA is] now involved, it wants to get all the information and wants to see where this is going to go and what it needs to do as part of it,” Friedman said during Hockey Night in Canada.
News of the NHLPA’s involvement comes one day after Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre reported that the Canucks have begun an internal investigation into the team’s treatment of Pearson’s injury following Hughes’ comments.
“I feel bad for him,” Hughes told reporters following Thursday’s loss to the Lightning when asked about his teammate. “I mean, it wasn't handled properly. It's not really a good situation he's got there, and hopefully he's going to be alright.”
Earlier on Thursday, the Canucks announced Pearson had undergone another hand surgery – his second this season after a “setback in his recovery” – and would be sidelined for the rest of the 2022-23 campaign as a result. Pearson, 30, hasn’t played since suffering the hand injury on Nov. 9. Initial timelines for his recovery were set at four to six weeks, which would’ve meant a return in mid-December.
Hughes clarified a day later that he “wasn't trying to direct blame at anyone” and called the whole series of events “an unfortunate situation.”
Friedman also reported Saturday that Pearson will need to undergo a third surgery – also believed to be taking place early next week – and potentially a fourth after that.
“So, obviously the biggest concern is for Pearson ... there is real concern about the future of his career and what this is all going to mean,” said Friedman. “But I think the next big step is the Players Association getting involved and figuring out what it needs to do.”
In 14 games this season, Pearson scored one goal and five points.
COMMENTS
When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.