The Boston Bruins' recent signing of forward Tanner Jeannot has been met with a wave of skepticism and concern from fans, with many questioning the value and long-term implications of the deal. The Bruins inked Jeannot to a five-year, $17 million contract, carrying a $3.4 million average annual value (AAV).

Bruins fans have taken to social media platform X to express their disappointment and worry over the Jeannot signing. One fan succinctly summarized the general sentiment with a blunt "That Tanner Jeannot deal…WOOF!". Others echoed this sentiment, questioning the logic behind committing such a significant amount of cap space to a player with Jeannot's recent performance history. The deal has been described as a "head-scratcher" given Jeannot's limited offensive output.

The primary concern revolves around Jeannot's offensive production, which has declined since his career-best season with the Nashville Predators in 2021-22, when he scored 24 goals. Since then, his scoring numbers have steadily decreased, with only 20 goals scored in the last three years combined. Last season with the Los Angeles Kings, Jeannot recorded just 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in 67 games. This lack of offensive consistency has led fans to question whether Jeannot can provide enough value to justify his $3.4 million cap hit.

Some analysts point out that Jeannot is primarily a physical, bottom-six winger who excels at punishing opposing players. While his grit and physicality may align with the Bruins' traditional identity, fans worry that his limited offensive contributions will not be enough to help the team improve its scoring woes. The Bruins were among the league's worst offensive teams last season, and fans are concerned that Jeannot's contract will hinder their ability to add more impactful offensive players.

The five-year term of the contract has also raised eyebrows. Given Jeannot's age (28) and recent performance, some fans believe that a shorter-term deal would have been a more prudent move. A shorter contract would have given Jeannot an opportunity to prove his worth while minimizing the long-term risk for the Bruins.

The Jeannot signing has been further criticized when juxtaposed with other recent Bruins' transactions. The Bruins' extension with Morgan Geekie, a versatile center with offensive upside, has been lauded as a more valuable investment despite a slightly higher cap hit.

Despite the overwhelmingly negative reaction, some observers have pointed out potential upsides to the Jeannot acquisition. His physical style of play and willingness to engage could make the Bruins a more difficult team to play against. He has a history of being a strong physical presence, having recorded over 1,000 hits in his career.

Ultimately, the success of the Tanner Jeannot signing will depend on his ability to rediscover his scoring touch and contribute more consistently on the offensive end. If he can return to his 2021-22 form, the contract may prove to be a worthwhile investment. However, if his offensive struggles continue, the Bruins may find themselves with an overpaid player who occupies valuable cap space.