Encina added that there are no reports suggesting that Lightning will trade Tanner Jeannot, but he hasn't lived up to expectations, especially on the goal scoring front, since the team acquired him in February 2023 from the Nashville Predators. The Lightning paid a hefty price to acquire Jeannot, sending five draft picks (2025 1st, 2024 2nd, 2023 3rd, 4th, 5th) and defenceman Cal Foote.
"Now, Jeannot's name is being bandied about as one that is drawing trade interest as the Lightning look to create salary-cap space to re-sign captain Steven Stamkos and complete a roster that currently has just 18 players, including 10 forwards, under NHL contracts.
There are no concrete reports saying the Lightning plan to trade Jeannot. But Jeannot, who turned 27 Wednesday, hasn't provided the complementary scoring they had hoped for when general manager Julien BriseBois acquired him a season after he scored 24 goals as a rookie. Jeannot has scored just seven even-strength goals in 75 games with Tampa Bay." Encina said.
Jeannot does bring grit and his physical play could be intriguing to teams that are looking to compete for the Stanley Cup, but he needs to find a way to get on the score sheet next season. After putting up 24 goals in 81 games during his rookie year in 2021-22, he's only recorded 13 goals in his last 131 regular season games. If he's able to chip in 15-20 goals, he could be a very valuable piece.
But right now, no matter who the Lightning trade him to, they certainly aren't going to get anywhere close to the return they'd hope for. Moving out cap space is the most important thing for Lighting General Manager Julien BriseBois, with Jeannot's cap hit coming in at $2.665 million for the 2024-25 season. Jeannot also has a modified no-trade clause that kicks in on July 1st, so if the Lightning are to move him, it'll likely come before Canada Day.
