1) Pearson has lead the Canucks in scoring since he was acquired. Don't believe me? Take this. https://twitter.com/bkursel23/status/1357505955513004033?s=20
2) He did this while playing on the 2nd line, which has been known to be a slightly defensive line, and yet he outscores Lotto Liners.
3) You want more? He kills penalties (Horvat doesn't do that), and plays on the powerplay. He is an all-round player, and is one of the most defensively responsible Canucks.
4) With a young team, he is one of the very few veteran players who are actually performing well, and they can help the team. His presence is akin Horvat's.
5) He has a passing talent that goes perfectly with Höglander's play.
6) Podkolzin won't be in the top 6 next year. Höglander was getting top 6 minutes in the SHL, but Podkolzin is a 4th liner with SKA. He will also need to adjust to the smaller ice. Whether he adapts like Hoglander or like Rasmus Kupari is yet to be seen.
7) With players like Sutter (UFA), Beagle (LTIR), and Vesey (UFA), possibly not returning, Pearson's penalty killing abilities became even more valuable. He and Podkolzin might make one of the best PK units in the league.
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