It’s overage season in the Canadian Hockey League, and the Nashville Predators have cashed in while retooling their prospect pipeline.
Tanner Jeannot is finishing his fourth season in the Western Hockey League with the Moose Jaw Warriors. Per CHL rules, he’s considered an overage player at 20 years old (generally players four years of eligibility run from 16 to 19-years-old) of which teams are allowed three on their roster. Although he’s not the overager on Moose Jaw I was hoping for (see: Brayden Burke), Jeannot is a nice addition. Below is a breakdown of his numbers, some game tape, and contract information.
By The Numbers
Above is Jeannot’s WHL production. You can see he hasn’t really hit his offensive stride until this season, but 80 points in 72 games is solid production; it’s good for 12th among wingers in the WHL this season. Additionally, he ranks 8th in goals-per-game and 13th in points-per-game.
Jeannot’s first-line ice time and playing opposite of Brayden Burke certainly helps his numbers – I’m curious how much. The even distribution of his points between goals and assists may suggest he’s not completely reliant on his linemates (Burke and Justin Almeida). The two numbers that stand out the most to me are his expected-goals rate, an astonishing 1.85 per 60 minutes, and his 276 shots on net – good for second on the team behind Sharks’ prospect Jayden Halbgewachs.
The Eye-Test
Jeannot is a big body. He’s listed at 6’2”/6’3” and 200+ pounds and it’s clear it’s an asset to his game. Imagine a player built like Scott Hartnell but with a more efficient stride and better ability to adjust to different zone situations.
I like this play above because it highlights Jeannot’s comfortability with dragging the puck to the middle of the offensive zone. He doesn’t frequent the circles or the low wall when carrying the puck in the offensive zone. I like how he relies on positioning and jumping before the defender can properly close the gap or force him to the outside.
Above is a good show of Jeannot’s net-front presence – especially on the powerplay. From what I understand, he excels at buying space around the net between him and defenders rather than being pushed back or out, being too reliant on tips, and losing advantage on rebounds.
A lot of Jeannot’s offensive production has come from moving the puck laterally across the zone. This clip highlight’s his interesting yet effective backhand. It’s not the only goal he’s scored with a similar move. He as an expert ability to extend or shorten his stick in tight offensive situations.
Overall, I don’t consider Jeannot to be an above-average playmaker. He’s not an excellent puck carrier, and his zone entries at times are awkward. But, he has a solid wrist shot, great awareness down low, and a strong ability to be agreeable with his linemates.
On defense, his frame is a good asset, but he is largely an average defensive player with good zone presence and a good stick.
The Contract
The entry-level deal is for three years beginning in 2018-19. There have been no details released on the price. Jeannot will join the Admirals next season which makes me hopeful that the organization recognizes what it’s missing in Milwaukee. Another thing to note, the organization is weak on the wing. Aside from Jeannot, Tyler Moy and Justin Kirkland are the only other options moving forward (Bollig, Zolnierczyk, and McNeill are impending free agents).
Further Content
Here from Jeannot below on joining the Predators’ organization.
We spoke with the newest member of the @PredsNHL Tanner Jeannot (@Tanner_Jeannot). pic.twitter.com/bMuPzhsbHA
— Moose Jaw Warriors (@MJWARRIORS) April 2, 2018