Tampa Bay Lightning's Worst Trade Of The Past Year

The Tampa Bay Lightning are usually pretty busy at the trade deadline rather than the offseason and have only completed four trades over the past year. Two came in the summer and two before the trade deadline that just passed. I think you know what trade is going to top the list as the worst for this team, so let's get into talking about Tanner Jeannot.

At first I wasn't shocked at the return and also wasn't convinced it was a horrible trade considering the season Jeannot had in 2021-22, his age, contract, and all that he brings to the table. Although it was more than what it cost the Ottawa Senators to acquire Alex DeBrincat, a two-time 40-goal scorer, it didn't seemed like a huge overpayment.

The Lightning have always been able to get the best out of the players they acquire at the trade deadlines. Recent examples include Blake Coleman, Barclay Goodrow, Brandon Hagel, and Nick Paul. This was evidence to give the team the benefit of the doubt as well as going all in to win while they still can. Many of the Lightning's key players aren't first round picks. They have been strong drafters and get value from later in the draft. Plus any draft picks wouldn't be helpful for at least a couple of years at the earliest and the general manager has to assume that the Lightning aren't going to be a powerhouse forever.

In terms of the cost of acquiring the third line Jeannot who had five goals and 14 points in 56 games this season before the trade, a 2023 third, fourth, and fifth round pick, 2024 second round pick, 2025 first round pick, and Cal Foote is still an overpayment, especially considering Jeannot only has three assists in 14 games with the Lightning. He does bring a ton of physicality which is perfect for playoff hockey, has an $800,000 cap hit, and is a RFA at the end of the season. Even though the Lightning have lots of time to get value out of the deal, it doesn't look great right now.