It is only a matter of time before the Tampa Bay Lightning will trade Tanner Jeannot this offseason. After another lacklustre season offensively, the two sides may part ways to create cap space to sign Captain Steven Stamkos. The Lightning have lost back-to-back first-round series in the playoffs and should prioritize re-signing their captain, gaining cap space, and acquiring assets for the future. Jeannot has not been at his best in Tampa, but he scored 24 goals and 41 points on one of the NHL’s mediocre offences just two seasons ago in 2021-22 as a member of the Nashville Predators. In a league where physicality ramps up during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, somebody should be willing to give up a solid asset for a 27-year-old, goal-scoring bruiser.
Top Two Trade Destinations for Tanner Jeannot
Buffalo Sabres
Failing to reach the playoffs again in 2023-24, the Buffalo Sabres must make some win-now moves to grab a spot in a contested Atlantic Division next season. Despite having potential playoff expectations last season, the Sabres finished with a record of 39-37-6 for 84 points. The Sabres must do something about their middle-six forward group to increase their odds of landing a playoff position next season. They have tried to bolster the forward core with players like Eric Robinson, Jordan Greenway, and Tyson Jost, but these players have not gotten them over the hump. The three forwards combined for 16 goals and 44 points, while Jeannot’s best season saw him score eight more goals and only three fewer points.
At an affordable cap hit of $2.665 million, the Sabres add a cost-effective piece with many great years in front of him. While rumours of the 11th overall pick have circled social media, a realistic trade package for Tanner Jeannot likely consists of a mid-round pick plus a B-level prospect. The Lightning has limited draft picks for the future, so adding a second or third-round pick and a prospect is beneficial for the future. Buffalo gets a solid middle-six forward in return, and if Jeannot doesn’t work out, they can flip him at the trade deadline or let him walk at free agency. There is a plethora of youth Jeannot can play alongside in Buffalo next season. While a top-line role with Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch is unrealistic, a third-line position with players like Jeff Skinner and Jordan Greenway can work wonders for the Sabres scoring depth.
Calgary Flames
Another of the NHL’s mediocre teams from last season, the Calgary Flames, failed to reach the playoffs in a weaker Pacific Division. The Flames have been very disappointing since Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau left the team. Calgary finished with a record of 38-39-5 for 81 points last season, and they must find a sense of direction for the next few seasons. Under new Head Coach Ryan Huska, the Flames are very good at exiting the zone in transition via Corey Sznajder’s AllThreeZones workbook. Jeannot’s biggest strength outside of physicality and fighting is his work along the wall to break out of the defensive zone. AllThreeZones ranked Jeannot in the 93rd percentile of retrievals leading to exits per hour amongst forwards last season. Furthermore, Jeannot placed in the 88th percentile of exits with possession per 60, a vital statistic that leads to more frequent shot attempts off the rush.
With a team that lacks identity and top goal-scorers in Calgary, a trade for Tanner Jeannot gives him the opportunity to go out West and find his game under minimal pressure and a coach that fits his style of play. He can fit anywhere in the top nine next season, like a potential scoring line with a nasty punch featuring underrated centreman Nazem Kadri. Jeannot could also be on a two-way, second line with Blake Coleman and Mikael Backlund. Lastly, maybe Jeannot can be a goal-scoring touch that Jonathan Huberdeau needs. The former superstar will find his elite passing game with the proper linemates.
Main photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
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