The Boston Bruins entered the offseason with bold ambitions, yet their recent signing of Tanner Jeannot has sparked skepticism across the NHL. The five-year, $17 million contract they handed to the 28-year-old forward raises questions about whether the Bruins overpaid for a player struggling to prove consistent high-level production.
Jeannot’s 2024 season with the Los Angeles Kings was underwhelming by previous standards, with just seven goals and six assists in 67 games. Before joining the Kings, he was on a two-year, $5.33 million deal signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic didn’t hesitate to criticize the signing: “Four years ago, Tanner Jeannot looked like someone who was going to be a problem for years to come as a menacing power forward with a scoring touch. Turns out the problem was expecting Jeannot to replicate that ever again, first fooling the Lightning out of an entire draft class and now the Bruins out of $17 million. Since that magical season, Jeannot has 20 goals and 45 points over 198 games, an eight-goal and 19-point pace. Woof.”
Is Tanner Jeannot worth Boston’s $17M gamble?
Luszczyszyn describes Jeannot as a “replacement-level player making third-line money,” noting the slim chance of a scoring resurgence. The deal raised eyebrows because it commits big salary to a player with declining output. Outside his standout Nashville season, he hasn’t scored more than seven goals in a full year.
Tanner Jeannot #10 with the Los Angeles Kings skates with the puck during the second period against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center on February 28, 2025. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
How does Jeannot fit into the Bruins’ team strategy?
This signing doesn’t match a top-line or matchup player profile. The Bruins seem to pay third-line money for what many view as a fourth-line grinder. Their focus on balanced scoring and defense contrasts with Jeannot’s limited impact.
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Without a bigger role or renewed scoring, this contract could limit Boston’s roster flexibility. Analysts warn it may become a long-term burden, especially if trading it becomes difficult.
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The Athletic ranks Jeannot’s deal as the 10th-worst contract heading into 2025–26. If he doesn’t improve, the Bruins could face a tough situation. For now, this remains a significant gamble with uncertain returns.
