The Boston Bruins have made a significant move to bolster their forward ranks by signing Tanner Jeannot to a five-year, $17 million contract. The deal, which carries an average annual value of $3.4 million, was announced on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the opening day of NHL free agency.
Jeannot, 28, is expected to bring a much-needed physical edge to the Bruins' bottom-six forwards. At 6'2" and 220 pounds, he is known for his hard-hitting style and willingness to engage in battles. He has consistently ranked among the league leaders in hits, including 211 in each of the past two seasons and a career-high 318 in 2021-22. Jeannot also has a reputation for being a tough customer, racking up 45 fighting majors throughout his NHL career.
While Jeannot is not known for his offensive prowess, he is a reliable north-south forward who excels at winning puck battles and playing in the dirty areas. His career-high in goals (24), assists (17), and points (41) came during the 2021-22 season with the Nashville Predators. In 67 games for the Los Angeles Kings during the 2024-25 season, Jeannot recorded seven goals and six assists, along with 89 penalty minutes and 211 hits. He missed the end of the season due to a groin injury but is expected to be ready for training camp.
Jeannot originally signed with the Nashville Predators as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He was then traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning ahead of the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline. After a little over a year with the Lightning, he was traded to the Kings in June 2024. Now, he heads to Boston with five seasons of NHL experience and 294 games under his belt, having tallied 93 points (49 goals, 44 assists) with Nashville, Tampa Bay, and Los Angeles.
The Bruins are clearly prioritizing grit and durability as they reshape their roster for the next phase of their competitive window. The signing of Jeannot signals a shift towards a more physical and hard-nosed style of play, which could be valuable in the tough Eastern Conference. The Bruins, who missed the playoffs two years removed from a record-breaking regular season, appear to be aiming to reload rather than rebuild, complementing their core players with additions like Jeannot and the recently acquired Viktor Arvidsson.
