Although the Nino Niederreiter trade definitely catches some attention, the Nashville Predators have some other major pieces they can potentially move, with Tanner Jeannot beginning to catch a lot of buzz.
Jeannot is easily a fan-favorite among Nashville Predators fans, but also around the league. Hockey fans love his physical gameplay and his ability to drop the gloves with literally anyone in the league. Problem is, like most of the Predators roster, he’s having a down season from the previous one.
Despite Jeannot only having five goals this season, 19 fewer than in 81 games last season, he is still getting some attention on the trade front:
Marek at the intermission says with Niederreiter move the Preds are open for business, the 3 untouchables are: Josi, Saros and Forsberg.
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) February 26, 2023
Says Sharks are leading contender for Fabbro, Quinn coached Fabbro at Boston U. Lot of interest in Tanner Jeannot as well.
So Many Trade Scenarios Swirling for Nashville Predators
Frank Seravalli’s latest Trade Board has Jeannot at No.29 on his list, citing that he has a lot of interest and his value is high as the Predators are reportedly trying to extend the pending RFA.
"“It’s not an easy call. But there is no shortage of interest in Jeannot, a player with size, edge and someone who can contribute on the penalty kill.” -Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff"
General Manager David Poile clearly doesn’t want to lose Jeannot, but you have to leave this option on the table considering Jeannot is up for a moderate contract extension and raise.
Not trading Jeannot now could really blow up in Poile’s face a year or two down the road if the Predators are unable to re-sign him this offseason or they keep Jeannot and his production continues to stay where it’s at currently. A gamble either way, but the safer path might very well be to trade him now if teams are offering high value.
A link between the New York Rangers and Jeannot has been speculated for a couple weeks now, including on
The Catfish On Ice PodcastThe possibility of arbitration for Jeannot this offseason if the Predators can’t reach an extension deal could end up ugly for the front office. Another reason why trading Jeannot is starting to make sense.
Sometimes you have to trade players away that you don’t want to, but as sports fans know very well, it’s a business at the end of the day. This would undoubtedly be a “business decision” and not one that the front office would be excited about.
Jeannot would be a valuable addition to a playoff contending team that needs size and physicality for the bottom six for the grinding Stanley Cup Playoffs. With the Predators’ playoff hopes down below 20 percent, you have to part ways with players you don’t want to necessarily.
In a trade for Jeannot, the Nashville Predators can acquire another high-round draft pick, a mid-round pick and maybe even a decent prospect. Really depends on the team involved and how bad they want Jeannot.
Niederreiter brought in a 2nd-round pick in 2024, and Jeannot certainly commands that as well, in addition to a mid-round pick or prospect that Predators scouts may really like with NHL upside.
Dante Fabbro is also a high likelihood of being dealt before the trade deadline, although there is some cap space freed up to revisit extending him in the offseason.
Fabbro is additionally due to be an RFA this offseason, as is Alexandre Carrier and Cody Glass.
The NHL Trade Deadline is scheduled for Friday, March 3 at 3 P.M. EDT. The Nashville Predators take on the Arizona Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins and Florida Panthers beforehand sitting in fifth place in the division with a 28-22-6 record.