JUST IN: Sabres Target 27-years old star in a Trade
The Buffalo Sabres face several intriguing choices in the upcoming offseason. They must determine the best course of action regarding winger Jeff Skinner and his contract, decide how to utilize the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, and consider potential targets in free agency.
General manager Kevyn Adams also has to weigh the option of making a significant trade, given the team’s abundance of prospects and their first-round pick. Among potential trade targets, Tanner Jeannot of the Tampa Bay Lightning stands out as a compelling option.
Who is Tanner Jeannot?
Tanner Jeannot, a 26-year-old winger, joined the Tampa Bay Lightning as a trade deadline acquisition in 2023. The Nashville Predators traded him for Cal Foote, a 2025 1st-round pick, a 2024 2nd-round pick, and additional picks in 2023.
Jeannot has primarily served as an energetic middle-six winger for his team but has garnered attention for his readiness to engage in physical confrontations. While not classified as an enforcer, he demonstrates a strategic approach to when and how to engage in fisticuffs on the ice.
Why Should the Sabres Target Jeannot?
The Sabres are likely not aiming for superstar-level trade targets. Instead, they’re in dire need of reinforcements in the middle and bottom six of their lineup. They require players who can contribute in various aspects, making the team more resilient and challenging for opponents to face. These additions should enhance the team’s overall depth and effectiveness on the ice.
Offensive Potential
Critics will quickly highlight Tanner Jeannot’s decline in production since his standout rookie season in 2021-22. During that season, the 6-foot-2 winger impressed with 24 goals and 41 points in 81 games for the Predators. However, since joining the Tampa Bay Lightning, his offensive output has decreased, with only eight goals in 75 games, albeit in a slightly altered role.
Securing the 2021-22 version of Jeannot would undoubtedly benefit the Sabres greatly. Nonetheless, even if he could contribute around 15 goals, it would still be a significant boost for the team.
Physicality
The primary rationale for including Jeannot in the lineup is his physicality, addressing the team’s need to become more formidable opponents, a concern openly acknowledged by players. Jeannot brings a contagious level of heart and passion to his game, qualities that could invigorate the entire lineup.
Known for his unwavering work ethic and exceptional conditioning dating back to his junior days, Jeannot embodies intangibles crucial for a young team striving for improvement. He’s the type of player who commits fully to winning the small battles on the ice, a characteristic often found in successful teams.
Willingness to Fight
Jeannot’s readiness to engage in physical confrontations, including dropping the gloves when necessary, is another asset he brings to the table. The Sabres have endured being pushed around by opponents for some time, and this dynamic needs to shift. Jeannot’s willingness to step up and defend his teammates could serve as a deterrent against opposing teams taking liberties with the Sabres’ key players.
While the era of the traditional enforcer may be fading, today’s game still values players who provide a physical presence and are willing to stand up for their teammates. Jeannot embodies this modern interpretation of toughness, which is crucial in today’s NHL.
What Would a Trade Package Look Like?
Acquiring Jeannot would likely come at a cost, and while opinions may vary, here’s a perspective on the potential requirements:
1. **Draft Picks**: Given Jeannot’s value and potential impact, draft picks could be part of the deal. This might include mid-round selections or future picks to sweeten the offer.
2. **Prospects**: Tampa Bay might seek promising prospects in return for Jeannot. Young players with potential upside could be appealing to them.
3. **Roster Players**: The Lightning may also be interested in roster players who can contribute immediately, especially if they’re lacking depth in certain positions.
4. **Conditional Picks**: Conditional draft picks based on Jeannot’s performance or the team’s success could be included to add flexibility to the deal.
Ultimately, the actual cost would depend on various factors such as the Sabres’ negotiation leverage, Jeannot’s perceived value by both teams, and their respective long-term goals.
The 11th Pick is a Non-Starter
It’s clear that the 11th overall pick is not on the table for acquiring Jeannot. The dynamics have shifted significantly since Jeannot’s peak performance, especially considering the Lightning’s aggressive moves to pursue another Stanley Cup. The Sabres, in a different phase of their development, need to be cautious about overpaying for Jeannot’s services.
While Jeannot possesses desirable qualities, the value proposition diminishes if the Sabres sacrifice too much to secure him. Therefore, if General Manager Adams aims to pursue Jeannot, he’ll need to explore other assets besides their first-round pick to facilitate the deal.
A Realistic Trade Package for Jeannot
Realistically, for a player like Jeannot, the Sabres could offer a combination of assets that balance the Lightning’s desire for draft capital and the Sabres’ need to retain their top prospects.
1. **3rd-Round Pick**: Given Tampa Bay’s cap situation and their potential interest in acquiring draft picks, a 3rd-round pick could be a starting point for negotiations.
2. **Prospects**: Offering prospects such as Isak Rosen or Nikita Novikov, who have intriguing upsides but face obstacles in their current team’s depth chart, could be appealing to the Lightning. These B-level prospects offer potential without sacrificing the Sabres’ top-tier talent like Matthew Savoie or Zach Benson.
3. **Developmental Talent**: Including a player like Alexandr Kisakov, who possesses talent but requires further development, could sweeten the deal. Kisakov’s potential upside might entice the Lightning, especially if they see him as a valuable long-term asset.
By offering a combination of draft picks, promising prospects, and developmental talent, the Sabres can craft a package that is enticing enough to secure Jeannot’s services without compromising their long-term strategy and top-tier prospects.
Why a Lightning-Sabres Deal Could Happen
Both the Sabres and the Lightning have compelling reasons to explore a potential trade involving Jeannot.
For the Sabres, there’s immense pressure to make significant strides towards playoff contention, especially given their deep prospect pool and the urgency to show progress. With ample assets at his disposal, General Manager Adams is well-positioned to pursue impactful moves.
Conversely, the Lightning face ongoing salary cap constraints, exacerbated by the lack of early-round draft picks in the coming years and the impending contract negotiations with key players like Victor Hedman and Steven Stamkos. Shedding Jeannot’s $2.665 million cap hit could alleviate some of this pressure, particularly if they can secure promising prospects and draft picks in return.
A potential trade involving Jeannot could indeed materialize, with the Lightning potentially open to parting ways with him for the right package of assets, such as a couple of enticing prospects and a second-round draft pick. This deal could address the needs and motivations of both teams while navigating their respective challenges and priorities.
Adding Jeannot Would Be Beneficial
Indeed, while the Sabres possess a wealth of trade assets, it’s crucial for General Manager Adams to strike a balance between making a significant move and ensuring they don’t overpay for Jeannot. While acquiring Jeannot wouldn’t necessarily be a game-changing transaction, his toughness and physicality could provide a much-needed boost to the Sabres’ lineup.
By leveraging their trade assets wisely, the Sabres have the opportunity to enhance their roster without sacrificing their long-term prospects. Jeannot’s presence could add a valuable dimension to the team’s play, making them a tougher opponent to face in the upcoming season. Ultimately, it’s about making strategic moves that contribute positively to the team’s overall improvement while maintaining a focus on sustainable success.