Tanner Jeannot Trade Analysis - Smart Move for Lightning and Predators

Tanner Jeannot Trade Analysis

The recent trade that sent forward Tanner Jeannot from the Nashville Predators to the Tampa Bay Lightning has certainly raised some eyebrows around the NHL. On the surface, it may seem questionable for the Lightning to give up a promising young player like Jeannot, especially considering their current injury issues at forward.

However, looking closer at the trade, it actually makes sense for both teams involved. Here's a deeper analysis on why the Tanner Jeannot trade is smarter than it may appear:

Bolstering Lightning's Forward Depth

While Jeannot is a talented player, the Lightning are loaded with offensive talent when healthy. With Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, Vladislav Namestnikov and others in the mix, Jeannot was likely relegated to a bottom-six role in Tampa Bay.

By moving Jeannot, the Lightning have addressed an area of greater need - defensive forward depth. The assets acquired include Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, who provides grit and veteran leadership to the bottom-six. This bolsters the Lightning's overall forward depth and balance.

Acquiring Valuable Draft Picks

A key part of the Jeannot deal for Tampa Bay was acquiring a 2nd round pick in 2024 and a 4th round pick in 2023. With Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos and others getting older, stockpiling draft picks will help keep the Lightning's championship window open longer.

Draft picks allow them to either select promising prospects or use those assets as trade chips. Either way, the extra draft capital benefits the Lightning's short and long-term outlook.

Salary Cap Implications

The Lightning have been up against the salary cap ceiling for several seasons now. While losing a talented young forward isn't ideal, it does provide a little financial flexibility. Jeannot's cheap entry-level contract is now off the books.

Every dollar counts when you're pressed right up against the cap. The space created by trading Jeannot gives the Lightning a bit more breathing room to tweak their roster as needed and to activate players off long-term injured reserve.

What the Trade Means for Nashville

Moving to the other side of the deal, acquiring Jeannot is an excellent move for the Predators. Nashville has struggled to score goals in recent years, so adding a forward on the rise like Jeannot should provide an immediate boost.

The 24-year-old broke out with 24 goals and 25 assists last season. He brings exactly what the Predators need - speed, physicality and scoring touch. Jeannot should slot into a top-six role right away in Nashville.

Giving up Bellemare hurts from a depth perspective, but he is an expendable veteran on an expiring contract. With Filip Forsberg also in need of a new deal, the Predators have cap concerns of their own to worry about.

While the draft picks are valuable assets, acquiring a known commodity like Jeannot is likely worth the price for a Nashville team looking to contend now. Overall, this is a win-now type of move for the Preds.

The Bottom Line

Upon closer inspection, the Tanner Jeannot trade makes sense for both the Tampa Bay Lightning and Nashville Predators. Tampa Bay bolsters their forward depth, gains draft assets and cap space - all important factors for a team seeking a three-peat.

For Nashville, Jeannot addresses a huge area of need and adds scoring punch to a team with playoff aspirations. There are always risks in trading a young player blossoming into a star.

But given their respective situations, both clubs seem to have done well for themselves with this hockey trade. Don't be shocked if the high-energy Jeannot thrives in Nashville and helps push the Predators back into the postseason picture.

What do you think - did the Lightning make the right call dealing Jeannot? And will he be a difference-maker in Nashville? Share your thoughts in the comments!

FAQs

Why did the Lightning trade Tanner Jeannot?

The Lightning traded Jeannot to clear cap space and acquire assets like draft picks. With their deep forward group, Jeannot was likely relegated to a bottom-six role in Tampa Bay. Trading him gave the Lightning financial flexibility and draft capital to sustain their championship window.

What did the Predators give up in the Jeannot trade?

The Predators gave up veteran forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, a 2024 2nd round pick and a 2023 4th round pick. Bellemare provided depth but was expendable on an expiring contract. The draft picks are valuable assets but the Preds dealt them to acquire a talented young forward in Jeannot.

How does Jeannot fit into Nashville's lineup?

Jeannot should slot into a top-six role right away in Nashville. After scoring 24 goals last season, he provides exactly what the offense-starved Predators need. Jeannot's speed, physical play and scoring ability perfectly address Nashville's needs.

Did the Lightning make the right move trading Jeannot?

While giving up a talented young player is risky, the trade makes sense for the Lightning's situation. With injury issues, they needed forward depth and cap space now more than potential in Jeannot. The draft picks also help keep their championship window open longer.

Is this a win-now trade for Nashville?

Absolutely. Landing an emerging goal-scorer like Jeannot signals Nashville is in win-now mode. Even with the risks of trading draft picks and a veteran, Jeannot should help address the Predators' scoring woes in the short-term as they push for a playoff spot.