Tanner Jeannot out for 3 games?
A heavy silence fell over the Los Angeles Kings locker room as the team absorbed the news: Tanner Jeannot, the young forward known for his tenacity and grit, had been suspended for three games. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety had ruled that his hit on Vancouver Canucks’ Brock Boeser was an illegal check to the head, warranting disciplinary action.
Jeannot’s ejection from the game and match penalty were still fresh in everyone’s mind. The video review conducted by the league officials concluded that Jeannot’s approach was reckless, targeting Boeser’s head rather than his core. The league’s verdict served as a stern reminder of the balance between physicality and player safety that the NHL upholds.
This suspension impacts Jeannot and the Kings profoundly. Not only will Jeannot miss three crucial games against Columbus, Calgary, and Colorado, but he also faces a financial setback, as a hefty fine of $41,641 will be withheld from his salary—a significant blow for the 27-year-old forward. The absence of Jeannot’s physical presence and defensive skill leaves a void in the lineup, one that the team must work quickly to fill as they prepare for these key matchups.
The Kings’ trajectory, once promising, now faces a degree of uncertainty with Jeannot out of the lineup. This suspension has cast a shadow over the team’s near future, raising questions about how they will adapt and maintain momentum without one of their rising stars. The NHL’s commitment to protecting its players from dangerous plays like Jeannot’s hit is clear, even if it comes at a cost for the Kings.
As the team regroups, the spotlight will fall on Jeannot’s teammates to step up, filling his role on the ice. The challenge will not only test the Kings’ resilience but also reflect the league’s evolving stance on player safety—a stance that continues to impact teams, players, and fans alike.
