The Boston Bruins' recent signing of Tanner Jeannot to a five-year, $17 million contract has been met with surprise and debate within the NHL community. The deal, which carries an average annual value of $3.4 million, has raised eyebrows, especially considering Jeannot's recent performance and the Bruins' current position as a team undergoing a generational shift.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Bruins weren't the only team interested in Jeannot, with as many as ten teams, including the New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, and Toronto Maple Leafs, also in the mix. This high demand likely drove up the price for Jeannot's services. Despite the competition, the Bruins ultimately secured the forward, signaling their clear valuation of his particular skillset.

One of the primary reasons Boston pursued Jeannot is his physicality. General Manager Don Sweeney has openly acknowledged the team's need to add more grit and size to the lineup, qualities that Jeannot possesses. At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Jeannot is known for his willingness to engage physically, protect smaller players, and win battles in the "dirty areas". This element of toughness is something the Bruins have been missing in recent years, as they transition away from the "Big Bad Bruins" era led by Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron.

While Jeannot's physical presence is undeniable, his offensive production has been inconsistent. He had a career-high 41 points (24 goals, 17 assists) with the Nashville Predators in the 2021-22 season. However, since then, his scoring has declined. In 67 games with the Los Angeles Kings last season, he recorded just 13 points (seven goals, six assists).

The Bruins are betting that Jeannot can recapture some of his earlier offensive form while continuing to provide the physicality they crave. They also see him as a consummate professional known for his elite fitness levels and preparation. Furthermore, the Bruins have the cap flexibility to absorb the contract without crippling their long-term plans.

Despite the Bruins' optimism, some analysts question whether Jeannot's skill set is worth $3.4 million per year, especially given his recent injury history. Others suggest the Bruins may have overpaid based on his previous performance. Ultimately, whether the Jeannot signing proves to be a shrewd move or a misstep will depend on his ability to stay healthy, contribute offensively, and bring the desired level of physicality to the Bruins' lineup. Time will tell if this gamble pays off, but for now, it remains one of the most talked-about moves of the free agency period.