Toronto Maple Leafs Urged to Target Gritty Forward Tanner Jeannot Amid Offseason Reshuffle
The Toronto Maple Leafs may be on the brink of a roster shake-up this offseason, especially with Mitch Marner’s future with the team looking increasingly uncertain. With one of their top offensive weapons likely to be moved, former Maple Leafs defenseman and current NHL analyst Frankie Corrado believes the team should adopt a different approach to roster building—one that involves spreading out the salary cap hit across multiple hardworking players rather than replacing Marner with another high-priced star.
Speaking on June 22 during a segment with Jay Onrait, Corrado emphasized that it’s unrealistic to expect the Leafs to replace a player of Marner’s caliber—who regularly contributes 100-point seasons—with a like-for-like signing. Instead, Corrado recommended that general manager Brad Treliving focus on acquiring several gritty, reliable players who could bring a stronger team dynamic and more consistent playoff performances.
“You’re not replacing a one-hundred-point player with a one-hundred-point player,” Corrado explained. “You’re replacing a one-hundred-point player with multiple players, hoping that you get a different outcome in the bigger games.”
Corrado pointed to Boston Bruins veteran Brad Marchand and Calgary Flames forward Andrew Mangiapane as examples of the type of players who could be effective in critical playoff moments—not necessarily because of their point totals, but due to their tenacity, experience, and ability to thrive under pressure. He noted Mangiapane’s past connection with Leafs GM Brad Treliving, who originally brought him into the NHL system in Calgary, as a factor that could help make a signing plausible.
However, Corrado acknowledged that both Marchand and Mangiapane, should they become available, would require significant cap space—likely eating up the financial room freed up by Marner’s departure. That led to Corrado floating the idea of targeting a more affordable forward like Tanner Jeannot to help reshape the team’s identity.
“Can you find one-and-a-half [million] for a guy like Tanner Jeannot?” Corrado asked. “That’s the way you have to change the DNA—with guys that just work like dogs.”
Jeannot isn’t known for his offensive fireworks. His most productive NHL season came in 2021-22 when he posted 41 points, including 24 goals, with the Nashville Predators. That season put him on the radar as a rugged, physical forward who can contribute offensively in spurts. However, his numbers have declined since then. After being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Jeannot played largely in a depth role and failed to replicate his breakout season.
In the most recent campaign, Jeannot played for the Los Angeles Kings, where he recorded just 13 points across 67 games. While these stats might not jump off the page, Corrado stressed that Jeannot’s value isn’t in point production—it’s in his consistent work ethic, forechecking ability, and willingness to play the kind of gritty, blue-collar hockey that often becomes crucial in the postseason.
Jeannot brings a strong physical presence and is known for doing the dirty work—retrieving pucks, battling along the boards, and making life uncomfortable for opposing defenders. He rarely takes shifts off and rarely turns the puck over, traits that have become increasingly valuable for playoff contenders.
With the Leafs expected to retool their bottom six, Jeannot could be a smart addition to the third line, potentially alongside players like Scott Laughton. His versatility—being able to play both wings—adds to his appeal for new head coach Craig Berube, who values tenacity and discipline in his forwards.
Financially, Jeannot could also fit neatly into Toronto’s plans. His last contract was a two-year deal with an average annual value of $2.665 million. Given his recent statistical decline, it’s unlikely he commands that kind of salary again. A more realistic figure could be somewhere in the range of $1.5 to $2 million—a number that Corrado believes could make Jeannot a smart, budget-friendly option for the Leafs.
The 28-year-old could also be open to signing a short-term, “prove-it” deal in Toronto. This would not only give him a chance to bounce back statistically but also give the Maple Leafs a low-risk option with potential upside. Should Jeannot return to his 2021-22 form—or even something close to it—Toronto would be getting excellent value. If not, his contract wouldn’t be a burden.
Corrado compared Jeannot’s possible impact to that of Steven Lorentz, another hardworking player who provided solid depth for Toronto without costing a fortune. As the Leafs look to balance their lineup and build a team capable of deeper playoff runs, players like Jeannot may represent a necessary pivot in philosophy.
Instead of loading up on high-priced stars who dominate the regular season but fade in the postseason, Corrado and others believe the Maple Leafs should target players who can contribute meaningfully in different ways—through energy, grit, defensive responsibility, and strong work habits. Jeannot fits that mold well.
As the Maple Leafs explore how best to spend their anticipated cap space, Corrado’s analysis suggests a strategic shift may be on the horizon. Rather than seeking marquee names or flash-in-the-pan solutions, the team could focus on filling multiple holes with dependable, tough, and undervalued players like Jeannot. In doing so, they might finally discover a formula that leads to sustained playoff success rather than early exits.
Whether or not the Leafs follow through on Corrado’s recommendation remains to be seen, but the idea of targeting role players with a relentless motor and team-first mindset could be just what Toronto needs to alter its narrative—and its results.
