During the past off-season, the Tampa Bay Lightning made a significant trade by sending forward Tanner Jeannot to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick and a 2024 fourth-round pick. This move was not entirely unexpected, as the Lightning faced the need to free up cap space. Jeannot's performance during his tenure with the team had shown challenges in adapting to the system, as he struggled to find his ideal role with the Bolts.
Since joining the Kings, Jeannot has carved out a niche for himself as a hard-hitting, physical presence in their bottom-six forward group. His gritty style of play has become a valuable asset for the Pacific Division club, particularly as they aim to bolster their roster for a competitive postseason push. Across 66 games this season, the 6-foot-2 winger has made his presence felt by accumulating 84 penalty minutes and delivering 207 hits. Though his offensive contributions have been modest, with seven goals and 13 points recorded so far, Jeannot's physicality has proven instrumental in adding a rugged edge to the Kings' lineup.
Recently, Jeannot has begun to showcase a stronger offensive spark, adding another dimension to his game. On March 22, in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Jeannot contributed a goal and an assist to help secure a Kings victory. The following night, facing the formidable Boston Bruins on March 23, he mirrored his performance with another goal and assist, further solidifying his contributions to the team. This recent outburst of productivity now sees Jeannot with two goals and four points over his last two games.
If Jeannot can sustain this level of offensive production while continuing to be a physical force on the ice, he could evolve into a crucial player for the Kings during the playoffs. His ability to combine scoring with his trademark grit would add considerable depth and impact to the team as they pursue their championship aspirations. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Jeannot can build on this promising streak and maintain his momentum.
In his time with the Lightning, Jeannot appeared in 75 games across two seasons. During his tenure, he registered eight goals, 10 assists, and 18 points. He also accrued 97 penalty minutes and 288 hits, reflecting his consistent physical style of play. Now, with a fresh start in Los Angeles, Jeannot has the opportunity to further refine his game and establish himself as an indispensable component of the Kings' roster. The question remains: how far can his blend of toughness and newfound offensive flair carry him? The Kings and their fans will certainly be watching closely.
