 He was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft with the Leafs 1st pick, 6th overall.Pearson would play in 9 games with Toronto in the 1988–89 season, getting an assist before being returned to the OHL.In 1989–90, he would split his time with the Newmarket Saints of the AHL, earning 23 points (12G-11A) in 18 games, and with the Maple Leafs, registering 15 points (5G-10A) in 41 games.