How The Tanner Jeannot Trade Can Still Work For The Lightning

Tanner Jeannot‘s trade package shocked the hockey world during the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline. The Tampa Bay Lightning traded away defenceman Cal Foote. Moreover, the NHL said “a conditional first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, a second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, and a third-, fourth- and fifth-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft” was also packaged. Jeannot didn’t impress in his short stint with the club. However, there’s an opportunity for him to be impactful heading into next season.

Revisiting The Tanner Jeannot Trade

Before joining the Lightning, Jeannot pieced together a respectable 152-game career with the Nashville Predators. His best season was 2021-22, where Jeannot scored 24 goals and 41 points in 81 games. Jeannot had high expectations heading into the 2022-23 season. Then, he only produced 14 points in 56 games before being traded out of the Music City. 

Jeannot’s luck was no better with Tampa Bay. In 20 games, Jeannot dropped four points. Additionally, he only suited up in three playoff games where he was held pointless. While his first impression on Lightning fans was not one to remember, there’s still upside for Jeannot to be an essential player for the team next season. But first, let’s understand the trade.

Why The Trade Happened

Julien BriseBois had a clear vision when he acquired Jenanot via trade. Previously, the Lightning structured their transactions to add players who met the following criteria. Players who fit under their cap-strapped team and fit the exact style of play the team replicates on the ice. Jeannot met this criteria with a cap hit of $800,000 last season. 

When Tampa Bay won back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals in 2020 and 2021, a third line of Blake Coleman, Barclay Goodrow, and Yanni Gourde was vital to their success. All three players were like Swiss army knives. They could throw their weight around effectively while still being impactful. Coleman ranked top 15 in hits every season from 2017-18 to 2019-20. Moreover, the three ate a ton of penalty kill minutes. This trio was a third-line defensive shutdown unit that could forecheck the opponent second to none. BriseBois envisions Jeannot in the same role.

How The Trade Can Work

Jeannot is one of the most physical players in the NHL. His 290 hits ranked 6th in the NHL last year. Furthermore, his 318 hits in 2022 ranked 2nd in the entire league. Jeannot is a strong forechecker who can get to the net for rebounds and deflections. To illustrate, the Lightning play a 2-3 press in the offensive zone, placing two players in front of the net for deflections and screens. Jeannot fits this play style like a glove. 

Corey Sjanzder grades Jeannot in the elite of forechecking, rebounds, and deflections (All Three Zones micro-stats tracking project). Jeannot was in the 100th percentile of deflections per hour amongst forwards in 2023. Additionally, Jeannot ranked in the 76th percentile of rebounds per hour. While Jeannot can get to the front of the net, he can also pressure the puck. He placed in the 98th percentile of forecheck pressures last season. Now, he needs to round out the edges of his game.

Outlook For Next Season

Jeannot will likely start the season paired alongside Nick Paul and Michael Eyssimont. Paul has been a defensive stalwart for his entire career at even strength and on the penalty kill. Eyssimont provides forechecking upside and plays similarly to Jeannot. This line should be strong on the forecheck from the drop of the puck. 

As for Jeannot, he needs to learn how to play disciplined and stay out of the penalty box. Lightning fans should trust Head Coach Jon Cooper to help correct these issues over time. With a summer to clear his mind, Jeannot has the potential to return to his 20-goal-scoring form next season.