The Elite League has made a flying start to the month of June, with the Fife Flyers securing new ownership and signing season continuing at full speed across the hockey world.
While the Flyers are yet to flesh out their roster, the Elite League’s other nine clubs have been active in the transfer market as the new season draws into sharp focus.
With that in mind, let’s grade two of the Elite League’s latest signings.
Nottingham Panthers sign former Detroit Red Wing Chase Pearson:
Chase Pearson’s three-game stint with the Detroit Red Wings isn’t very useful from an evaluative perspective.
Called into the National Hockey League amidst an injury crisis in Detroit, he played a total of 21 minutes in the show and quickly returned to the minors.
Chase Pearson, Nottingham Panthers (Image: Detroit Red Wings)
That’s not to downplay the achievement of playing in the world’s best league, it’s just to say that his status as a ‘former NHLer’ shouldn’t be used to forecast his impact as a member of the Nottingham Panthers.
The 27-year-old arrives in the East Midlands following two seasons in Europe, one spent in the Slovak Extraliga, the other in Austria.
Pearson’s spell with HK Dulka Michalovce was highly productive, with the centreman posting 29 points (17 goals, 12 assists) in 23 games.
His form carried over into last season, when he notched 33 points (19 goals, 14 assists) in 38 ICEHL appearances for Villacher SV.
Pearson posted 78 points (29 goals, 49 assists) in 194 outings with the Grand Rapids Griffins — Detroit’s AHL affiliate.
Chase Pearson, Nottingham Panthers (Image: Grand Rapids Griffins)
“Chase’s pedigree speaks for itself,” said Panthers head coach Danny Stewart.
“He’s a big centre that can play all situations. He’s a great player on both sides of the puck and very difficult to handle for opposing players.”
Standing at 6-foot-3, Pearson has the skill, size, and mentality to set the Elite League on fire — but only if he stays healthy.
While injuries have been a factor in Pearson’s slide from NHL draftee to the Elite League, his recent form on the continent proves his quality.
Verdict: Lured to the Motorpoint Arena by the Panthers’ partnership with Nottingham Trent University, Pearson is an A-Grade addition to Stewart’s roster.
Coventry Blaze roll the dice on undersized forward Matthew Gleason
The Coventry Blaze aren’t afraid of making bold recruitment decisions — and Matthew Gleason is the latest example of Kevin Moore’s willingness to roll the dice.
Gleason arrives in the Elite League after five seasons in the NCAA, in which he tallied 72 points (27 goals, 45 assists) in 142 appearances for Colorado College and the University of St. Thomas.
The American’s best performances at the collegiate level came after he swapped Colorado for St. Thomas, tallying 45 points (16 goals, 29 assists) in 72 outings for the Tommies.
Matthew Gleason, Coventry Blaze (Image: George Dannecker)
Gleason, who signed-out of the NCAA with a level record in the face-off circle (189-189), plays a smart two-way game and produces most of his offence in the form of assists.
While the St. Paul-native has the statistical profile of a typical middle-six Elite League centreman, the competition’s rough-and-ready style of play will put the 5-foot-8 forward’s physical gifts to the test.
But that doesn’t concern Moore.
“Matt is a 200-foot player with great detail to his game,” said the Canadian.
“He is relentless in hunting pucks and getting to the hard areas. He’s a great fit in our locker room and in our style of play, and I’m excited to have him on board this season.”
Verdict: Gleason’s cerebral style and sky-high work ethic (he was named to the NCHC’s All-Academic Team in consecutive seasons) make him a B+ addition for the Blaze. The American’s signing isn’t without risk, but he is the prototype of player worth rolling the dice for.
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