NHL analyst Frankie Corrado believes the Toronto Maple Leafs should consider signing former division rival forward Tanner Jeannot as part of a broader strategy to reallocate cap space in the wake of Mitch Marner’s likely departure.
Speaking with Jay Onrait on June 22, Corrado emphasized that the Leafs can’t expect to replace Marner’s 100-point production with a single player. Instead, he argued, the team should use the freed-up cap space to sign several hardworking players who could collectively make a difference in key moments.
“You’re not replacing a 100-point player with another 100-point player,” Corrado said. “You’re replacing him with multiple players and hoping they help in bigger games.”
Corrado mentioned Brad Marchand and Andrew Mangiapane as potential fits, though he acknowledged that players of their caliber would command nearly the same salary as Marner. That’s where someone like Tanner Jeannot enters the picture.
“Can you find one-and-a-half \[million] for a guy like Tanner Jeannot?” Corrado asked. “That’s how you change the team’s DNA—by adding guys who work like dogs.”
Jeannot isn’t known for his offense—his best season was in 2021–22 when he tallied 41 points with the Nashville Predators. Since then, he’s averaged just seven goals over the past two seasons and most recently posted 13 points in 67 games with the Los Angeles Kings.
Still, Corrado’s point is about value beyond the scoresheet. Jeannot brings grit, energy, and reliable two-way play—qualities that could make him a strong third-line option, possibly alongside Scott Laughton. His ability to play either wing adds to his versatility, making him a potentially valuable piece under new head coach Craig Berube.
Jeannot is coming off a two-year deal with a \$2.665 million AAV. He likely won’t command that much this offseason, and could be signed to a one-year deal in the \$1.5–\$2 million range—an affordable “prove-it” contract that might benefit both him and the team.
While Jeannot won’t replace Marner’s offensive output, he could help reshape the Leafs’ identity with his physical, no-nonsense style—something the team might need more of moving forward.
Leave a Reply