Plenty of playoff teams would love to add Pearson. Great, complimentary, board battling, 2 way, middle 6 guy.
Also the same reason I doubt we're in a big hurry to move him out or "dump" him. He'd have legit, solid value, especially at the TDL of his last year.
Barring a "hockey trade" that fills a greater need, use him as the solid depth he is, until that TDL. Then grab the picks/prospects he'll be worth at that point.