NHL Trade Rumors: Elliotte Friedman claims multiple teams interested in $5,330,000 Tampa Bay Lightning forward

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified May 27, 2024 17:30 GMT

In the latest episode of 32 Thoughts podcast, hockey insider Elliotte Friedman brought up an intriguing topic regarding Tanner Jeannot, forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Friedman said that there is significant interest in Jeannot from multiple NHL teams, despite his current contract with Tampa Bay.

Despite signing a two-year contract worth $5,330,000 in July 2023, Jeannot's performance with Tampa Bay hasn't quite met expectations.

During the podcast, Friedman mentioned receiving calls from sources who expressed keen interest in Jeannot's future, emphasizing that his annual salary of approximately $2.6 million provides Tampa Bay with financial flexibility.

"So one thing we wondered about in one of our last podcasts a month or two ago was Tanner's situation. I got a couple of calls from people saying, 'That's going to be one to watch.' Because his salary, which is about 2.6, Tampa can use the space. It really hasn't worked out as well as everyone has hoped between him and the Lightning," Friedman said.

According to Friedman, some teams view Jeannot as a better fit elsewhere, particularly in Nashville.

"But there are a lot of teams out there that see something. And they think he's more of a player in Nashville than he was a player in Tampa Bay. So I do think that depending on everything that Tampa is going to want to do, they're going to have to consider it. And I do think there are teams out there who are interested," Friedman added.

Friedman's observations raise questions about the Tampa Bay Lightning's plans for Jeannot moving forward.

Is Anthony Duclair bound for Seattle Kraken after Tampa Bay Lightning success?

Anthony Duclair was playing well with the Tampa Bay Lightning after joining them at trade deadline. He scored eight goals and had 15 points in 17 games. However, with the Lightning's limited cap space and priority on re-signing Steven Stamkos, Duclair might hit free agency.

The Seattle Kraken, lacking scoring in their previous season, could target him. Duclair's potential fit in Kraken's lineup includes playing on first line with Matty Beniers and Jordan Eberle and contributing to their power play. In the past season, he recorded 24 goals and 42 points in 73 games.

Ryan McDonagh makes his return but there are other things for Tampa to worry

The Tampa Bay Lightning addressed their defensive concerns by re-acquiring Ryan McDonagh in trade with Nashville.

They struggled defensively all season due to injuries and poor performances, with fans lamenting McDonagh's departure two years ago.

However, his return doesn't immediately catapult them back to Stanley Cup contention. They enter the offseason with key players, notably Steven Stamkos, set to become free agents.

McDonagh's leadership and past successes give an assurance, but the team's fate hinges on offseason moves. While his addition strengthens the roster, their return to the Cup conversation depends on upcoming developments.