In the world of professional sports, general managers are often judged by their ability to build competitive teams, make smart trades, and manage salary caps effectively. The Tampa Bay Lightning, under the leadership of General Manager Julien BriseBois, has enjoyed remarkable success in recent years, including back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021. BriseBois has earned a reputation for being shrewd, strategic, and forward-thinking. However, even the most respected executives are not immune to criticism. Among Lightning fans, one trade stands out as a rare misstep: the acquisition of Tanner Jeannot from the Nashville Predators.
A Rare Misstep by the Lightning GM
The trade, which took place in early 2023, saw the Lightning give up a significant package of assets for Jeannot, including a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and several other draft selections. At the time, the move was seen as an aggressive push to bolster the team’s physicality and depth ahead of the playoffs. Jeannot, known for his gritty style and willingness to drop the gloves, was expected to bring toughness and energy to the bottom six. However, the cost of the trade raised eyebrows across the hockey community, and many fans questioned whether the Lightning had overpaid for a player who had yet to prove himself as a consistent offensive contributor.
In hindsight, the skepticism appears justified. Jeannot struggled to find his footing in Tampa Bay, posting modest numbers and failing to make a significant impact during the postseason. While his physical presence was undeniable, it did not translate into the kind of game-changing performances that fans had hoped for. Meanwhile, the draft picks surrendered in the trade represented valuable opportunities to replenish the team’s prospect pool—a crucial consideration for a franchise that has consistently traded away future assets in pursuit of immediate success.
To be fair, BriseBois’s overall track record remains impressive. He has orchestrated key trades for players like Blake Coleman and Barclay Goodrow, both of whom played pivotal roles in the Lightning’s championship runs. His ability to navigate the salary cap and retain core players such as Nikita Kucherov, Victor Hedman, and Andrei Vasilevskiy has kept the team competitive year after year. In this context, the Jeannot trade is not a reflection of incompetence but rather a calculated risk that didn’t pan out as expected.
Still, fans are entitled to their opinions, and many view the Jeannot deal as the only truly poor decision in BriseBois’s tenure. It serves as a reminder that even elite general managers can make mistakes, especially in a league where the margin for error is razor-thin. As the Lightning look to remain contenders in the years ahead, lessons from the Jeannot trade may influence future decisions—particularly when it comes to balancing short-term needs with long-term sustainability.
In the end, the Jeannot trade may not define BriseBois’s legacy, but it will likely remain a footnote in the story of a GM who has otherwise built one of the NHL’s most successful franchises.
