Before last year’s deadline, the Lightning pulled off one of the most controversial trades in recent memory by unloading five draft picks and defense prospect Callan Foote to acquire middle-six winger Tanner Jeannot from the Predators. Now, after an extremely underwhelming tenure in Tampa, he appears to be on the block again, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet said on “32 Thoughts: The Podcast” on Monday.
Friedman called him “a name to watch” in the coming weeks as the Lightning aim to up their available cap space in an effort to keep captain Steven Stamkos from reaching unrestricted free agency. He didn’t firmly name any clubs as being connected to Jeannot thus far. However, he did report that multiple interested parties believe his 24-goal campaign in Nashville two years ago is more representative of his long-term ceiling than his fourth-line caliber play in Tampa. He and “32 Thoughts” cohost Jeff Marek named the Flames as a speculative trade destination but stopped short of saying they have an interest in Jeannot.
The 6’2″, 207-lb power forward never seemed to gel with the Bolts, only scoring a goal and three assists in 20 games down the stretch after his acquisition in 2022-23. He struggled with injuries in their first-round loss to the Maple Leafs, too, only making three appearances with no points and a -2 rating.
That limited his value when he was up for a new contract last summer – a bit of a blessing for the Lightning, who have been strapped for salary cap space throughout most of their recent championship contention window. A restricted free agent at the time, he inked a two-year, $5.33MM deal. He has a 16-team no-trade list that kicks in on July 1, something that will ramp up their efforts to move him by the 2024 NHL Draft at the end of next month if general manager Julien BriseBois places him on the block in earnest.
Trading Jeannot without taking any NHL roster players back would open up an additional $2.665MM in cap space for Tampa, bringing their total projected cap space next season up to $7.7MM. That’s likely enough space to re-sign Stamkos if he takes a realistic discount. Expecting him to take closer to $4MM per season extension, a necessity with their current cap situation, undercuts his market value by roughly 50 percent.
Even if teams are optimistic about Jeannot rebounding back to 20-goal, 40-point form, his trade value won’t be high. He posted just seven goals and 14 points with a -10 rating in 55 games this season and is entering the final season of his contract while being a UFA upon expiry. That won’t be a major concern for BriseBois, though, who’s moving him as a pure cap dump. The club was in a similar situation two offseasons ago with defenseman Ryan McDonagh, who they re-acquired last week, dealing him to the Preds for a pair of minor-league players.
Jeannot turns 27 on Wednesday. An undrafted free agent signing by Nashville in 2018, he has 42 goals, 38 assists, 80 points, a -9 rating, and 314 PIMs in 227 career games since making his debut in 2021.
What BriseBois was thinking when he made that trade for Jeannot is forever bewildering.
I think BriseBois was hoping Jeannot would turn out to be a solid third line forward who’s a 20-25 goal scorer with a sandpaper mentality that he flashed his rookie season in Nashville. Unfortunately, it just hasn’t turned out that way whether it’s because of Jon Cooper’s system, his injuries, & such or the fact, the coaching staff may only see him more the Pat Maroon type which may be hindering his potential. It’s hard to say exactly.
I like Jeannot & the grit he brings but unfortunately, TBL needs more from him & it just hasn’t been able to come to fruition.
Doubt they’ll get similar value trading him as it took to acquire him.
Easily the worst trade of the past decade from a value perspective. There are easily 100+ players you would trade a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th round pick for before Jeannot. Lightning got full of themselves and thought they could re-create the Coleman, Hagel and Goodrow trades
What do you think his value will be Josh? A 3rd rounder? Could be a good pickup for clubs like CHI or SJS who could use someone to protect the kids…
It’s hard to gauge. If memory serves me, the McDonagh situation happened quite quickly in 2022. That would indicate a precedent of Tampa selling cap dumps to the first bidder, not the highest one. Right now, I don’t think they’d recoup that high of a pick, but they certainly could if it draws out and 4-5+ teams come calling
There’s no way he gets a 1st, let alone multiple picks. Probably 1-2 minor leaguers and a 3rd is the ceiling. Maybe a top 15 prospect as one of the minor leaguers.
Lighting brass planted this story. Lol I predict a 5th round pick in return if someone takes on all his salary.
They’ll get more than a 5th round pick dude. Players for less caliber than Jeannot have garnered more.
Anything to support your amusing claim that the TB folks planted this story or are you making stuff up again?
I totally agree with Lightning brass planting this story. Recent sandpaper wingers have received more than a 5th, though. I’d say a late 3rd/early 4th plus a little-known prospect.
Tanner Jeannot is going to gauge much interest primarily because he’s a sandpaper player who’s not afraid to stand up for his teammates & will drop the gloves which every team in the league is always looking for. TBL will find another one or two sandpaper caliber player at a cheaper price.
What TBL will get back is hard to say exactly as the market can be quite unpredictable. I don’t think they’ll get a 1st or 2nd round pick for him but a potential 3rd or 4th round pick is quite possible tagged with an additional late round pick (5th – 7th) as well. TBL won’t be asking for a player back as this is purely a cap dump situation.
Jeannot probably won’t be the only player getting dumped as Connor Sheary’s $2 million AAV is also another scenario to play out after June 15th when his NTC ends as he must submit a 16 team trade list. Also, Nick Perbix’s $1.12 million AAV is another potential scenario.
Yeah but people know Tampa is trying to clear cap, most likely before the free agent period, I’m guessing so they can try and sign Stamkos before he hits
LOL! I said Jeannot’s move is a cap dump. You obviously didn’t read what I said. That’s apparent.
They’re clearing cap space to sign Stamkos obviously as the belief is TBL will need around $6.0 to $6.5 million to bring him back but also potentially bring in a few free agents.
Future Considerations?
(If freeing up cap space is paramount)
I’m betting Calgary & Seattle will be the main bidders, driving the price to a third round pick & a B prospect
Jeannot has little trade value. The Lightning would be lucky to get a 5th rounder.