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Los Angeles Kings Will Benefit From An Improved Tanner Pearson

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By @powerplaywithcj

Tanner Pearson

Dennis Wierzbicki- USA Today Sports

Tanner Pearson went from undrafted afterthought in the 2010 and 2011 drafts to first-round pick of the Los Angeles Kings in 2012 and playing big-time minutes in the Kings’ Stanley Cup run in the proverbial blink of an eye. The Kings have hopes that there is an even bigger step forward for the former Barrie Colt this season.

Pearson was at his best in the playoffs playing with goalscorers Jeff Carter and Tyler Toffoli on the humorously-named “That 70s Line” as a tribute to the sitcom and their jersey numbers. Pearson’s ability to facilitate allowed the two natural goalscorers to pick apart defenses and get a high number of quality scoring chances. That trend will continue going into the season as the Kings have absolutely no reason to break up the trio during training camp.

Having said that, the Kings are without question one of the deepest teams in the NHL, and any lackluster play from anyone in the lineup could see them demoted to a lower line. Pearson spent the offseason bulking up and increasing his stamina to ensure the coaching staff has no reason to take him away from his fellow highly-skilled linemates.

An improved Pearson makes the reigning Stanley Cup champions that much better as the veteran lineup will have a youthful infusion. A strong season from Pearson benefits him just as much as it does the Kings. He and Toffoli are both restricted free agents and will look to cash in.

With Pearson’s passes and Toffoli’s shot, there should be plenty of goals during the season and plenty of cash in the offseason as they both ink rich extensions with the Kings.

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