Lightning Sign Nate Thompson to Two-Year Contract Extension

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced on Tuesday that they have signed left wing Nate Thompson to a two-year contract extension worth $1.8 million. The deal will pay him $950,000 for the 2011-12 season and $850,000 for the 2012-13 season. He would have been a restricted free agent this summer. In 51 games so far this season, he has seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Lightning, as Thompson plays with lots of energy and works very hard every shift on the ice. He's also good on the penalty kill and very versatile in the lineup, as he can play both center and on the wing. He should be a good checking line option for Tampa Bay over the next two years.

Lightning Re-Sign Jones, Thompson, Szczechura

The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced that they have re-signed centers Blair Jones and Paul Szczechura to one-year contracts. The team also announced that they have avoided arbitration with left wing Nate Thompson and re-signed him to a one-year deal. The financial terms of all three contracts were not disclosed. These aren't bad depth signings for the Lightning. Jones has some offensive upside and can play a physical game when he needs to. Thompson plays with lots of energy and brings plenty of grit and toughness to the lineup. Szczechura has a little offensive skill and is good on the faceoff. Thompson and Szczechura will likely play fourth line roles on the team next season, whereas Jones may have to fight for a roster spot at training camp.

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.

Islanders Claim Thompson Off Waivers from Bruins

The New York Islanders announced on Wednesday that they have claimed center Nate Thompson off waivers from the Boston Bruins. Thompson last played in the NHL during the 2006-07 season with the Bruins, appearing in four games and going pointless. He has spent three season playing with the Bruin's AHL affiliate in Providence. The Islanders get a promising forward for their rebuilding team in Thompson. He has the potential to be a physical, scoring forward, something the Islanders are in desperate need of.