Lightning Claim Center Thompson Off Waivers from Islanders

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that they have claimed center Nate Thompson off waivers from the New York Islanders. He was originally acquired by the Islanders off waivers from the Boston Bruins in October 2008. In 39 games with the Islanders this season, he has one goal and five assists for six points and 39 penalty minutes. In 86 career NHL games with the Islanders and Bruins, he has three goals and seven assists for 10 points and 88 penalty minutes. With left wing Todd Fedoruk currently sidelined with a knee injury, claiming Thompson was likely done by the Lightning to add some grit to their forward lines. Thompson can play both left wing and center, so he could be a versatile depth forward for the team on their checking lines for the rest of the season.