The Boston Bruins have added some physicality to their bottom-six, but at a pretty significant cost. According to multiple reports, they have signed winger Tanner Jeannot to a five-year deal worth $3.4 million per year.
Jeannot, 28, is one of the most physical players in the NHL, as he ranks sixth in hits over the last four years. He has topped 200 hits in four straight seasons, including 211 in 67 games for the Los Angeles Kings last season. He is also second in the NHL in fights over those four years, with 40.
The knock on Jeannot is what he contributes in other areas, though. Back in 2021-22, he looked like he was on his way to being the kind of middle-six power forward every team wants when he exploded for 24 goals and 41 points for the Nashville Predators.
He has never come close to matching that in the three years since, though, as he has not eclipsed seven goals or 18 points in any of the last three seasons. Jeannot is pretty responsible defensively, and he's a solid enough skater, but the Bruins have to hope he rediscovers at least some of the offense he flashed in 2021-22.
After signing Jeannot and trading for Viktor Arvidsson earlier Tuesday, the Bruins have $5.4 million in cap space remaining with 21 players signed. They may still be looking to add another forward, but barring a trade to free up more money, it probably won't be a big name. They don't appear to be players for Nik Ehlers, the top forward on the market. The other top free-agent forward, Brock Boeser, ultimately wound up re-signing with the Vancouver Canucks.
The Bruins on Tuesday also reportedly signed 25-year-old Czech winger Matej Blumel, who led the AHL in goals last season (39) and tied for second in points (72).