Nate Thompson To Sign With Ottawa Senators

Two-way center Nate Thompson will soon be reunited with former Tampa Bay Lightning coach Guy Boucher. TSN’s Aaron Ward reports the Boucher’s new team, the Ottawa Senators, are set to sign the character forward. It is expected to be a two-year deal worth $1.65MM per.

Thompson is a great fit for the Senators, filling an important role of centering the checking line. Ottawa had previously cut ties with 2016-17 energy liners Chris Neil, Chris Kelly, and Tommy Wingels, but can essentially replace the output of all three with Thompson. The 212-lb. forward enjoyed the best offensive seasons of his career in Boucher’s system in Tampa, and while took on a far greater role defensively in Anaheim in 2014-15, injuries and lack of productions have resulted in little ice time over the past two seasons. The Senators hope that, back under the tutelage of Boucher, Thompson may be capable of reaching his career-high 25 points from his Tampa days while also bringing back his 200+ hits with the Ducks.

The Senators are also working to re-sign 2016 trade deadline acquistion Viktor Stalberg, but nothing official has been reported as of yet.