Detroit — With the departures of Luke Glendening and Darren Helm, the Red Wings are going to be looking for checking, defensive-minded forwards who can make things difficult for opposing teams.
There is competition for the spots, and most of the contenders have NHL experience. But there’s also Chase Pearson, a young center who showed during last weekend’s Prospects Tournament he should be included in any discussion for open roster spots.
“That’s the mentality I have to have if I want to play in the NHL,” Pearson said during the tournament in Traverse City. “I’ve got to believe it myself. The goal is making the NHL, the Red Wings roster on opening night. Just give them a reason for me to stay.
“I’m going to try to do that every day and have a positive attitude around the rink. That’s about all I can do and things will fall into place, or they won’t. We’ll see.”
If Pearson, 24, is to make the Wings’ opening-night roster, he has to show he can be a grinding, fourth-line center who can provide offense.
More: Red Wings lose 7-3 to Columbus to conclude prospects tournament
In three games during the tournament, Pearson, 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, had three points (two goals, one assist) played well defensively and was part of the young team’s leadership core.
Pearson had seven shots on net and was minus-one. He had four penalty minutes and showed off an NHL-ready mop of hair he said he’s been growing during the pandemic.
“Whether or not I start the year in Grand Rapids, I’m going to shoot for Detroit,” Pearson said. “Regardless, I think I’ve put in enough time and hopefully if I am in Grand Rapids, I can show that I’m ready to make the next step to the NHL level at some point this year.”
Pearson, the Wings’ 2015 fifth-round pick, is in a somewhat different position than other prospects.
He spent three years playing college hockey at Maine, developed physically and cultivated his skills. Pearson turned pro in Grand Rapids in 2019.
Last season, during the pandemic shortened AHL season, Pearson had eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points. Those 22 points were identical to how many Pearson earned the season before. The difference: Pearson amassed the total last season in 28 games, unlike the 59 games the season before.
Pearson had a plus-3 rating last season, compared to being minus-9 the season before.
“Last year was huge for me,” Pearson said. “I got a bigger role in Grand Rapids, and I earned the coaches’ trust a little bit more, which enabled me to play in all situations and really take a step forward.
“I got better defensively and also on the offensive side. I was able to come into my own a little bit, which helped through playing more and gaining confidence. When you play with confidence, the game comes easier for you.”
Hockey acumen runs in Pearson’s family. He’s the son of former NHL forward Scott Pearson.
The elder Pearson played 292 games in the NHL for five teams and has been an invaluable sounding board — and mentor — for his son.
“He’s obviously that backbone that I can always fall back on and talk to about whatever situation might arise,” Chase Pearson said. “He’s been through it all. The ups and downs of a hockey career, as everyone who plays does go through.
“So to have that experience, it helps me gets through the ups and downs if I need it. The feedback on my game from him is good as well.”
Pearson noted how his dad has been an important influence on the ice, talking about how certain plays might develop or where to be in situations.
“He’s pointed quite a few things out,” Pearson said. “There are times, maybe in a shift, where a play comes along and I go, ‘He told me this might happen.’ Every game is different but that’s happened a few times.
“It’s almost an ‘Ah ha!’ moment.”
McIsaac injury update
There likely won’t be new information on defenseman Jared McIsaac until Wednesday when the Wings’ open training camp.
McIsaac went hard into the boards during Sunday’s prospects tournament loss to Columbus, and briefly lost consciousness.
But Griffins coach Ben Simon, who coached the Wings’ prospects team, said McIsaac was coherent and moving his arms and legs. McIsaac wasn’t hospitalized.
The 21-year-old has had season-ending shoulder injuries the past two seasons. The Wings are hoping this latest incident won’t be another setback for the 2018 second-round draft pick.
“Jared has worked his tail off to rehab from two significant shoulder injuries,” Simon said. “You just feel terrible when things like this happen. But knowing Jared, he’s mentally strong. He’s got a sense about him that he’s not going to let anything stop him.
“It’s day by day right now. Just (have to) make sure he’s healthy.”
ted.kulfan@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @tkulfan