During the 2025 NHL offseason, the Boston Bruins made a clear statement when they signed forward Tanner Jeannot to a five-year, $18 million contract. The mission was simple: add size, grit, and toughness — the kind of edge Bruins hockey has always been known for. And on October 13 against the Ottawa Senators, Jeannot delivered exactly what Boston paid for.
With 5:20 left in the second period, Jeannot dropped the gloves with Senators enforcer Kurtis MacDermid, a heavyweight known league-wide for his physical play. Fans knew immediately what was coming: a full-out showdown between two of the NHL’s toughest players.
The fight did not disappoint.
The two exchanged heavy blows, but Jeannot seized control, landing a massive right hand before taking MacDermid down to the ice — a clear victory in one of the season’s most intense scraps.
“I’m not out there looking for fights, but I’ll never hesitate to stand up for my team. If someone wants to test us, I’m always ready to answer the bell.”
— Tanner Jeannot
Jeannot’s willingness to step up in big moments is exactly why the Bruins sought him out in free agency. Beyond the takedown itself, it was the message that fight sent — that Boston will not be pushed around, and that Jeannot is fully committed to protecting his teammates and setting a physical tone.
Through 19 games this season, Jeannot has contributed two goals, six assists, eight points, and 18 penalty minutes. While his secondary scoring has been a welcome boost, it’s his physical presence and ability to shift momentum with raw toughness that have made him an early fan favorite in Boston.
This latest showdown with MacDermid was more than a fight — it was a reminder of the identity that makes Bruins hockey so formidable.
For Boston, Jeannot is proving he’s not just a signing; he’s an enforcer with purpose, a tone-setter, and a player who is quickly becoming essential to the team’s heartbeat as the season grinds on.
Anxiety isn’t a topic that hits many airwaves when it comes to the NFL. For New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave, it was a piece of the gridiron puzzle that was on his mind heavily during the team’s Week 10 matchup at the Carolina Panthers. Last season, Olave suffered a season-ending concussion in Carolina during their Week 9 game. It was an incredibly scary moment for him as a player and a person.
After the emotional victory, Olave opened up about how difficult it was to be in the same place where his season ended during last campaign. It was something he had to consider before ever playing a snap, but he overcame all of those tough memories to help the Saints get their second win of the season.
You can tell that the playmaking pass catcher values the opportunity to dawn the black and gold an incredible amount. If he didn’t, there would be no sense in risking another concussion or major injury down the road. Olave can definitely rejoice in the fact that he overcame plenty of negative thoughts and emotions to come through with one of the best games of his pro career in Carolina.
With his five receptions for 104 receiving yards vs. Carolina, Olave now has 251 career receptions. He became the 15th Saint all-time with 250+ catches in franchise history. He also caught an important touchdown against the Panthers as well.
Past all of the stats and production, or even the win for his team, it is fantastic to see him back on the field and healthy. Scary moment like concussions can alter a career and a life. Saints fans should truly appreciate how committed he is to the city and the franchise.