Montreal Canadiens: Who’s Roster Spot Does Tanner Pearson Take?

On The Bubble

Working under those assumptions, the guys that get pushed closest to the edge of the bubble following the Pearson acquisition are the ones that were already there to begin with, namely Jesse Ylonen, Michael Pezzetta, Jake Evans and Joel Armia.

With newcomers like Emil Heineman and Lias Andersson already gunning for them before Pearson came on board, now there is one less spot available and the heat on those players to perform in these next few weeks will be turned up that much higher.

As Hughes values asset management above all, I believe Ylonen is a safe bet to be at worst the 14th forward.  He did enough last year to prove that he can fill a role in the bottom six right now and still has potential for additional growth.  Ylonen also need to clear waivers to be sent down and I don’t think the Canadiens would risk losing him for nothing.

I also feel like Pezzetta will find a way on to this team.  He is better suited to play an energy role than any of his peers and he brings some sandpaper to a lineup that still sorely lacks it.  Like Ylonen, he’s a perfect candidate to be a spare forward because he would also likely not make it through waivers.  He’s a glue guy who sticks up for teammates and is loved in the dressing room.  I doubt that will go unnoticed around the league if he is made available.

I sense that while the pressure is on for Evans to step up his game, his versatility gives him an edge to be there opening night too.  His first month will be uber important however as the return of Dvorak in November could render Evans more expendable if he hasn’t shown his worth up to that point.

Armia can still be a solid veteran presence on the fourth line and contribute on the PK but his job seems less secure than ever and his contract makes him unlikely to be claimed if he was put on waivers.  If the Canadiens can manage his cap hit, they can bury him in the minors to make room for a more deserving player.