Tampa Bay Lightning: Five reasons for hope in 2023-24

(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
4 of 5
TAMPA, FLORIDA – MARCH 02: Tanner Jeannot #84 of the Tampa Bay Lightning looks on during a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Amalie Arena on March 02, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – MARCH 02: Tanner Jeannot #84 of the Tampa Bay Lightning looks on during a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Amalie Arena on March 02, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Lightning Reasons For Hope: Tanner Jeannot bounceback

When Brandon Hagel came over to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2022, his initial run with the team left a lot to be desired. Many fans wondered if the Bolts traded away too much to acquire him.

Well, fast-forward a season later, and Hagel is coming off a 30-goal season and has a shiny new contract that will keep him in Tampa until 2032.

The Lightning are hoping for a similar bounceback from last season’s major trade deadline acquisition.

Tanner Jeannot did not make a great impression on Lightning fans last season, and it was compounded by him getting hurt on the eve of the playoffs.

But keep in mind that Lightning swung for the fences with Jeannot because he fits the mold of Barclay Goodrow, Blake Coleman, and Yanni Gourde.

Jeannot is a physical forward that does have goal-scoring capabilities. 

It is doubtful he will hit 30 goals, but it isn’t unrealistic to envision him hitting 15 to 20 goals if he can improve upon his 5.1% shooting percentage last season and maintain even a league-average shooting percentage this season.