Nate Thompson

Thompson played major junior ice hockey for the Western Hockey League (WHL)'s Seattle Thunderbirds beginning in the 2001–02 season. After his second season with Seattle, in 2002–03, he was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the sixth round, 183rd overall, at the 2003 NHL Entry Draft on June 21–22, 2003.{{Cite web|title=Nate Thompson|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/2688/nate-thompson|access-date=2021-02-10|website=ESPN.com}}

Thompson remained with the Thunderbirds for two additional seasons after his NHL selection by the Bruins, in 2003–04 and 2004–05. However, during the latter season, he joined Boston's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Providence Bruins on their run in the 2005 Calder Cup playoffs, making his professional debut.

Thompson signed an entry-level contract with the Bruins on July 20, 2005, and made his debut in the NHL with the team in 2006–07, playing four games; however, he spent the majority of the season with Providence in the AHL.

File:Nate Thompson 1.jpg in November 2008.]]

On October 8, 2008, just before the start of the 2008-09 NHL season, The Islanders claimed Thompson off of waivers and added him to their NHL roster; defenseman Brett Skinner was reassigned to the AHL Bridgeport Sound Tigers to make room for Thompson.{{cite news |title=Islanders claim center Nate Thompson |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/islanders-claim-center-nate-thompson/c-385568 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=October 8, 2008 |access-date=September 29, 2021}} He scored his first NHL goal in his 16th career game, a short-handed shot past Henrik Lundqvist that opened up scoring for a 2-1 victory over the New York Rangers on November 4.{{cite news |last=Cudzinowski |first=Matt |title=Thompson: 'I never could've envisioned that' |url=https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/nate-thompson---madison-square-garden---december-6/c-312240594 |publisher=National Hockey League |agency=Montreal Canadiens |date=December 6, 2019 |access-date=September 29, 2021}} Thompson's season was hindered by injury. First, a groin injury suffered in a game against the Atlanta Thrashers at the start of November sidelined Thompson for a number of weeks.{{Cite news |title=Penguins 4, Islanders 3, SO |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/penguins-4-islanders-3-so/c-110936 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=November 8, 2008 |access-date=September 29, 2021}} Two months later, Thompson missed 12 games with a fractured ankle, returning on January 14.{{cite news |title=Thrashers send RW Lessard to Isles |url=https://www.augustachronicle.com/article/20090114/SPORTS/301149991 |work=The Augusta Chronicle |date=January 14, 2009 |access-date=September 29, 2021}} Less than a month later, Thompson suffered a shoulder injury with an anticipated recovery time of four to six weeks.{{cite news |last=Logan |first=Greg |title=Thompson added to Islanders casualty list |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/thompson-added-to-islanders-casualty-list-1.889889 |work=Newsday |date=February 10, 2009 |access-date=September 29, 2021}}

On July 27, 2009, Thompson was re-signed to a one-year contract with the Islanders.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/islanders-agree-to-terms-with-thompson/c-466422|title=Islanders agree to terms with Thompson | publisher =New York Islanders | date = July 25, 2009 | access-date = November 18, 2021}}

After registering six points in 39 games with the Islanders in the 2009–10 season, Thompson was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 21, 2010.{{cite web| url = http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=514466 | title = Lightning claim Nate Thompson off waivers from Islanders | publisher = Tampa Bay Lightning | date = 2010-01-21 | access-date = 2010-01-21}} He would appear in 32 games for the Lightning, scoring one goal and three assists for four points; in total, he scored two goals and eight assists for both the Islanders and Lightning, then-career-highs. He also excelled in face-offs, winning 219 of 385 taken for Tampa Bay, a 56.9 percent success rate. In the subsequent off-season, on July 10, 2010, Tampa Bay re-signed Thompson to a one-year contract.{{cite web |url=http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=534558 |title=Tampa Bay Lightning Re-sign Center Nate Thompson|first= Lightning|last= Tampa Bay|work=Press Release|date= July 7, 2010|access-date=November 16, 2014}}

On January 31, 2011, Tampa Bay signed Thompson to a two-year contract extension. At that point, he had played in 51 games with the team, recording career-highs for goals (7), assists (10) and points (17). Thompson also continued his success in the face-off circle, winning 249 of 446 draws taken (55.8 percent). He ranked seventh among NHL forwards with 49 blocked shots, and was also fourth on the team in takeaways, with 25.{{cite web |url=http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=551201 |title=Tampa Bay Lightning Re-sign Nate Thompson to 2-Year Contract Extension |first= Peter|last= Pupello|work=Bolts Report|date= January 31, 2011|access-date=November 16, 2014}}

File:Nate Thompson Lightning.jpg in October 2013]]

During the 2012–13 NHL lockout, Thompson played for his hometown Alaska Aces of the ECHL, later returning to the Lightning at the end of the lockout.{{cite web |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2012/9/28/3424442/alaska-aces-nhl-lockout-2012-scott-gomez |title=Scott Gomez, Joey Crabb, Nate Thompson sign with ECHL's Alaska Aces |first= Brandon|last= Worley|work=SB Nation|date= September 28, 2012|access-date=November 16, 2014}} On March 3, 2013, Tampa Bay signed Thompson to a four-year contract extension.{{cite web |url=http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=661734 |title=Tampa Bay Lightning Agree to Terms with Forward Nate Thompson |first= Peter|last= Pupello|work=Bolts Report|date= March 23, 2013|access-date=November 16, 2014}} He finished the shortened, 48-game 2012–13 season with seven goals and eight assists from 45 games played.

He played in 81 games during the 2013–14 season, scoring nine goals and seven assists for 16 points. On June 29, 2014, Thompson was traded by Tampa Bay to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for two picks in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.{{cite web| url = http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=724521 | title = Ducks acquire Thompson for two late 2015 picks | publisher = National Hockey League | date = 2014-06-29}} In his first season with the Ducks, Thompson appeared in 80 games, scoring five goals along with 13 assists.

On December 14, the NHL department of player safety issued a three-game suspension against Thompson for his hit on Justin Faulk of the Carolina Hurricanes. He was suspended for what was deemed an illegal check to the head. Thompson was given a game misconduct at the time of the incident. As a result of the suspension, Thompson lost $25,806.45 in salary.{{cite web|title=Ducks F Nate Thompson suspended 3 games for illegal check on Carolina D Justin Faulk|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/ducks-f-nate-thompson-suspended-3-games-for-illegal-check-on-carolina-d-justin-faulk/c-792521|website=NHL.com|access-date=February 14, 2018|date=December 14, 2015}}

On the first day of the 2017 free agency period, Thompson signed a two-year, $3.3 million contract with the Ottawa Senators, a deal that reunited him with his former Lightning coach Guy Boucher.{{cite news |last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |title=Support of coach behind Senators' signing of free agent Nate Thompson |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/nhl/senatorsextra/ottawa-senators-close-to-signing-nate-thompson?r |work=Ottawa Citizen |date=July 1, 2017 |access-date=September 29, 2021}} Replacing Chris Kelly as the fourth-line center for Ottawa, it was the first time in eight NHL seasons that Thompson had played for a Canadian team.{{cite news |last=Warren |first=Ken |title=Senators signing Nate Thompson 'excited' for Canadian 'adventure' |url=https://ottawasun.com/2017/07/21/senators-signing-nate-thompson-excited-for-canadian-adventure |work=Ottawa Sun |date=July 21, 2017 |access-date=September 29, 2021}} A lower body injury suffered during a January 5, 2018 match against the San Jose Sharks continued to hinder Thompson for the remainder of his Senators tenure{{snd}}he was in and out of the lineup through January and February, missing 11 out of his last 15 games.{{cite news |last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |title=Senators battle back, triumph over Sharks in overtime |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/nhl/ottawa-senators/senators-battle-back-triumph-over-sharks-in-overtime/wcm/1bd0d0b4-78b2-4bb8-a626-f0b580729ea1 |work=Ottawa Citizen |date=January 5, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2018}}{{cite news |last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |title=Snapshots: Senators not looking forward to all the trade talk |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/nhl/ottawa-senators/snapshots-senators-not-looking-forward-to-all-the-trade-talk/wcm/edb8f768-1671-4225-b6ea-8ff02ef25ba7 |work=Ottawa Citizen |date=February 11, 2018 |access-date=September 29, 2021}} In his time with the Senators, Thompson recorded four goals and 11 points.

The Los Angeles Kings acquired Thompson and Dion Phaneuf from the Senators on February 13, 2018, in exchange for Marián Gáborík and Nick Shore.{{cite news |title=LA Kings Acquire Phaneuf, Thompson; Trade Gaborik, Shore to Senators |url=https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/la-kings-acquire-phaneuf-thompson-trade-gaborik-shore-to-senators/c-295939090 |publisher=National Hockey League |agency=Los Angeles Kings |date=February 13, 2018 |access-date=September 29, 2021}} Thompson enjoyed the trade, which put him in the more physically aggressive Western Conference and allowed him to exercise his abilities as both a two-way player and as a penalty killer. He was also familiar with many of his new teammates, such as Richard Park, who Thompson played with on the Islanders, and Jake Muzzin, with whom Thompson practiced during the offseason.{{cite news |last=Zupke |first=Curtis |title=Versatile Nate Thompson continues to move needle with his new team, the Kings |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/kings/la-sp-kings-report-20180309-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |date=March 9, 2018 |access-date=September 29, 2021}} He played in 26 games for the Kings to close out the regular season, recording six points.{{cite news |last=Morales |first=Robert |title=Meet the Kings: Here is their 2018-19 opening-night roster |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2018/10/02/meet-the-kings-here-is-their-2018-19-opening-night-roster/ |work=Press-Telegram |date=October 2, 2018 |access-date=September 29, 2021}} The Kings qualified for the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs, but were swept in the first-round series by the Vegas Golden Knights.{{cite news |title=Golden Knights finish off sweep of LA Kings |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/golden-knights-nhl/golden-knights-finish-off-sweep-of-la-kings-photos/ |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 17, 2018 |access-date=September 29, 2021}}

Thompson returned to the Kings for the 2018-19 NHL season, centering Kyle Clifford and Trevor Lewis on the fourth line.{{cite news |last=Morales |first=Robert |title=Muzzin's massive hit provides fuel for Kings' momentum |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2018/11/07/muzzins-massive-hit-provides-fuel-for-kings-momentum/ |work=Press-Telegram |date=November 7, 2018 |access-date=September 29, 2021}} He also spent extensive time skating alongside rookie Austin Wagner, serving as a mentor for the younger player.{{cite news |last=Supke |first=Curtis |title=Austin Wagner recalls value of Nate Thompson's mentoring after shining in Kings' loss |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/kings/la-sp-kings-capitals-20190211-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |date=February 11, 2019 |access-date=September 29, 2021}} The Kings as a whole struggled to score at the start of the season, and Thompson did not notch his first goal of the year until November 18 as part of a 5-3 loss to the Nashville Predators.{{Cite news |title=Jarnkrok's hat trick leads Predators over Kings |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2018/11/17/jarnkroks-hat-trick-leads-predators-over-kings/ |work=Los Angeles Daily News |agency=Associated Press |date=November 17, 2018 |access-date=September 29, 2021}} Shortly after that goal, assistant coach Marco Sturm decided to move Thompson from the penalty kill unit to the second power-play unit for the Kings; it was the first time in his NHL career that he had been on the offensive side of a power-play squad.{{cite news |last=Zupke |first=Curtis |title=Kings' Anze Kopitar is finally showing signs of playing to his high standards |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/kings/la-sp-kings-report-20181120-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |date=November 20, 2018 |access-date=September 29, 2021}} Thompson skated in 53 games with the Kings during the 2018-19 season, recording four points, averaging nearly 13 minutes per game, and winning 53 percent of his faceoffs.{{cite news |last=O'Leary |first=Sean |title=Canadiens acquire Nate Thompson from Kings for 4th-round pick |url=https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/1700019 |work=theScore |date=February 11, 2019 |access-date=September 29, 2021}}

On February 11, 2019, as part of a larger series of moves for both teams, Thompson was traded to the Montreal Canadiens, who also received a fifth-round selection in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft in exchange for a fourth-round selection.{{cite news |title=Canadiens acquire Nate Thompson and a 5th-round pick from the Kings |url=https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/canadiens-acquire-nate-thompson-and-a-5th-round-pick-from-the-los-angeles-kings/c-304720736 |publisher=National Hockey League |agency=Montreal Canadiens |date=February 11, 2019 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} Thompson and AHL call-up Dale Weise were part of a larger effort from general manager Marc Bergevin to rebuild Montreal's fourth line, which had not seen a goal since December 29.{{cite news |last=Cowan |first=Stu |title=Canadiens Notebook: Habs acquire centre Nate Thompson from L.A. Kings |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/nhl/hockey-inside-out/canadiens-notebook-habs-acquire-centre-nate-thompson-from-l-a-kings |work=Montreal Gazette |date=February 11, 2019 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} Flanked by Weise and Nicolas Deslauriers,{{cite news |last=Hickey |first=Pat |title=Canadiens put Michael Chaput on waivers to make room for Nate Thompson |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/nhl/hockey-inside-out/canadiens-put-michael-chaput-on-waivers-to-make-room-for-nate-thompson |work=Montreal Gazette |date=February 12, 2019 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} Thompson quickly became the Canadiens' everyday fourth-line center, playing in 25 of the 26 regular-season games following his trade while putting up one goal and six assists.{{cite news |last=Blades |first=Justin |title=Nate Thompson brought stability to a makeshift fourth line |url=https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/2019/4/22/18509409/nate-thompson-stabilized-fourth-line-canadiens-trade-michael-chaput-matthew-peca-deslauriers-hudon |work=Eyes on the Prize |publisher=SB Nation |date=April 22, 2019 |access-date=September 28, 2021}}

Thompson signed a one-year, $1 million contract extension with Montreal on April 25, 2019.{{cite news |title=Nate Thompson returns to Canadiens with one-year, $1-million deal |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/nhl/hockey-inside-out/nate-thompson-returns-to-canadiens-with-one-year-1-million-deal |work=Montreal Gazette |agency=Canadian Press |date=April 25, 2019 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} He was thrilled by the extension, telling reporters, "I had no intention of going to free agency. This is the team I wanted to play on."{{cite news |last=Cudzinowski |first=Matt |title=Thompson: 'This is the team I wanted to play on' |url=https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/nate-thompson---april-25/c-307026976 |publisher=National Hockey League |agency=Montreal Canadiens |date=April 25, 2019 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} Responding to criticisms from sports journalists that he was slow on the ice, Thompson spent the offseason improving his diet and exercising in order to build lean muscle mass.{{cite news |last=Engels |first=Eric |title=Canadiens' Nate Thompson continues to surprise after working on speed |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/canadiens-nate-thompson-continues-surprise-working-speed/ |work=Sportsnet |date=November 6, 2019 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} Continuing to serve on the fourth line, Thompson also became an unofficial captain for the Canadiens during the 2019–20 season, mentoring rookie centers Nick Suzuki, Ryan Poehling, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi.{{cite news |last=Cowan |first=Stu |title=Stu Cowan: Canadiens' Nate Thompson isn't playing like an old-timer |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/nhl/hockey-inside-out/stu-cowan-canadiens-nate-thompson-isnt-playing-like-an-old-timer |work=Montreal Gazette |date=November 14, 2019 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} "Uncle Nate", as many of the younger players referred to him, recorded four goals and 10 assists in 63 games with Montreal, going −2 and winning 55.1 percent of his face-offs.{{cite news |last=Cowan |first=Stu |title=Former Canadien 'Uncle Nate' has a new family now with Flyers |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/nhl/hockey-inside-out/former-canadien-uncle-nate-has-a-new-family-now-with-flyers |work=Montreal Gazette |date=August 10, 2020 |access-date=September 28, 2021}}

At the NHL trading deadline on February 24, 2020, Montreal sent Thompson to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a fifth-round selection in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.{{cite news |title=Flyers acquire forward Nate Thompson from Montreal Canadiens |url=https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/flyers-acquire-forward-nate-thompson-from-montreal-canadiens/c-315473862 |publisher=National Hockey League |agency=Philadelphia Flyers |date=February 24, 2020 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} Coach Alain Vigneault was in need of more veteran skaters, and inserted Thompson into Connor Bunnaman's spot on the fourth line. On March 11, Thompson was diagnosed with a left knee sprain resulting from a collision with Ondrej Kase of the Bruins, and he was expected to miss at least two weeks.{{cite news |last=Barkowitz |first=Ed |title=Nate Thompson the latest Flyers player to suffer an injury |url=https://www.inquirer.com/flyers/nate-thompson-philadelphia-flyers-injury-connor-bunnaman-20200311.html |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=March 11, 2020 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} The following day, however, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the NHL to indefinitely suspend the remainder of the 2019–20 season.{{Cite news |last=Pell |first=Samantha |title=NHL suspends season indefinitely as coronavirus outbreak continues |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/03/12/nhl-season-suspended-coronavirus/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=March 12, 2020 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} At the time, Thompson had only appeared in seven games for Philadelphia, recording one assist in the process.{{cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Charlie |title=Flyers free agency: Martin Jones and Nate Thompson could close the book on a busy offseason. Did they do enough? |url=https://theathletic.com/2737667/2021/07/29/flyers-free-agency-martin-jones-and-nate-thompson-could-close-the-book-on-a-busy-offseason-did-they-do-enough/ |work=The Athletic |date=July 29, 2021 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} When the NHL resumed for the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs in Toronto, Thompson was one of 31 Flyers selected to play in the "bubble".{{cite news |title=Flyers announce 31-man roster for Stanley Cup playoffs |url=https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/flyers-announce-31-man-roster-for-stanley-cup-playoffs/c-317634818 |access-date=4 February 2021 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=26 July 2020 |archive-date=29 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029191634/https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/flyers-announce-31-man-roster-for-stanley-cup-playoffs/c-317634818 |url-status=live }} Vigneault was criticized for Thompson's expanded role in the playoffs: Thompson was one of the only players to appear in all 16 playoff games that season, and he was often tasked with "eating minutes", preventing the Islanders' top forwards from scoring rather than generating points of his own. He scored only one goal in all 16 playoff games, and the Flyers fell to the Islanders in the second round.{{cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Charlie |title=Evaluating Flyers coach Alain Vigneault and staff on 10 key playoff decisions |url=https://theathletic.com/2050265/2020/09/08/evaluating-flyers-coach-alain-vigneault-and-staff-on-10-key-playoff-decisions/ |work=The Athletic |date=September 8, 2020 |access-date=September 28, 2021}}

On October 10, 2020, Thompson agreed to a one-year, $750,000 contract with the Winnipeg Jets.{{cite news |title=Jets sign Nate Thompson to a one-year contract |url=https://www.nhl.com/jets/news/jets-sign-nate-thompson-to-a-one-year-contract/c-319421592 |publisher=National Hockey League |agency=Winnipeg Jets |date=October 10, 2020 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} There, he was placed on the fourth line, centering Trevor Lewis and Mathieu Perreault. Sports broadcaster Kelly Moore referred to the line combination as the "Dirty 30s", as Perreault, the youngest skater on the line, was 33 years old.{{cite news |last=Wyman |first=Ted |title=Jets have high hopes for fourth line in shortened NHL season |url=https://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/wyman-jets-have-high-hopes-for-fourth-line-in-shortened-nhl-season |work=Winnipeg Sun |date=January 10, 2021 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} This proved to be one of the most productive lines on the team: by April 4, no goals had been the Dirty 30s during equal-strength play, and their collective plus–minus was a +18.{{Cite news |last=McIntyre |first=Mike |title=Fourth line flying |url=https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/fourth-line-flying-574134512.html |work=Winnipeg Free Press |date=April 4, 2021 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} On April 17, Thompson played in his 800th career NHL game, a 3–0 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. He was the third Alaskan skater to reach that milestone, following Scott Gomez and Brandon Dubinsky.{{Cite news |last=Helminiak |first=Jeff |title=Thompson becomes 3rd Alaskan to play in 800 games |url=https://www.peninsulaclarion.com/sports/thompson-becomes-3rd-alaskan-to-play-in-800-games/ |work=Peninsula Clarion |date=April 17, 2021 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} Despite these on-ice successes, the 2020-21 NHL season proved emotionally difficult for Thompson: with the Canada–United States border closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he was cut off from his family in the United States, especially his son, who lived in Minnesota.{{cite news |last=Friesen |first=Paul |title=JETS SNAPSHOTS: Emotional Thompson misses son, says isolation's been the hardest part of COVID season |url=https://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/emotional-thompson-misses-son-says-isolations-been-the-hardest-part-of-covid-season-pionk-liked-the-birds-eye-view-beware-the-beards |work=Winnipeg Sun |date=May 14, 2021 |access-date=September 28, 2021}}

Thompson did not take the ice for the game in which the Jets clinched a spot in the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, and the fourth line was used only sparingly in the North Division first-round playoff series against the Oilers. He was able to make a difference for the team in Game 1 of that series, however, by registering assists on both the game-tying and game-winning goals in Game 1.{{cite news |last=Wyman |first=Ted |title=High of playoff success particularly uplifting for clean and sober Jets centre Nate Thompson |url=https://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/high-of-playoff-success-particularly-uplifting-for-clean-and-sober-jets-centre-nate-thompson |work=Winnipeg Sun |date=May 28, 2021 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} The Jets swept Edmonton and advanced to the second round,{{cite news |last=Bauming |first=Darrin |title=Jets sweep Oilers with 3OT win in Game 4 |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/edmonton-oilers-winnipeg-jets-game-4-recap/c-324663720 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=May 25, 2021 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} where they were swept in turn by Montreal.{{cite news |last=Farrell |first=Sean |title=Canadiens win Game 4 in OT, sweep Jets |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/winnipeg-jets-montreal-canadiens-game-4-recap/c-325114716 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=June 8, 2021 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} In 44 games with the Jets, Thompson scored two goals and three assists. He became a free agent at the end of the season.{{cite news |title=Flyers sign Thompson to one-year, $800K deal |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/flyers-sign-thompson-one-year-800k-deal/ |work=Sportsnet |date=July 28, 2021 |access-date=September 28, 2021}}

During the 2021 NHL free agency period, Thompson signed a one-year, $800,000 deal to rejoin the Flyers on July 28.{{cite news |title=Flyers sign free agent goaltender Martin Jones, center Nate Thompson |url=https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/flyers-sign-free-agent-goaltender-martin-jones-center-nate-thompson/c-325842526 |publisher=National Hockey League |agency=Philadelphia Flyers |date=July 28, 2021 |access-date=September 28, 2021}}

As a free agent from the Flyers, Thompson went un-signed over the off-season. He agreed to return to the Los Angeles Kings organization in accepting a professional tryout to participate in training camp and the pre-season. After he was released from his tryout with the Kings, Thompson was signed to a professional tryout contract with AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, on October 11, 2022.{{cite news| url = https://ontarioreign.com/news/reign-sign-nate-thompson-to-pto-agreement | title = Reign sign Thompson to PTO agreement | publisher = Ontario Reign | date = October 11, 2022 | accessdate = October 11, 2022}}

Thompson announced his retirement from hockey on July 19, 2023.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nate-thompson-retires-from-nhl-after-15-seasons/c-345387764 |title=Thompson retires from NHL after 15 seasons |website=NHL.com |date=July 19, 2023}}

{{MedalTableTop|name=}}

{{MedalCountry | the {{USA}} }}

{{MedalSport | Ice hockey}}

{{MedalCompetition|Ice Hockey World Championships}}

{{MedalBronze|2013 Sweden/Finland|}}

{{MedalBottom}}

In addition to his NHL career, Thompson has also represented the United States at the Ice Hockey World Championships.{{Cite news |title=Ex-Seattle Thunderbird Nate Thompson makes Team USA |url=https://www.kentreporter.com/sports/ex-seattle-thunderbird-nate-thompson-makes-team-usa-hockey/ |work=Kent Reporter |date=April 12, 2012 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} He first represented Team USA in 2012, serving as an alternate captain alongside Jets skater Jim Slater and under captain Jack Johnson of the Columbus Blue Jackets.{{cite news |title=Nate Thompson alternate captain for U.S. team at worlds |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2012/05/04/nate-thompson-alternate-captain-for-u-s-team-at-worlds/ |work=Tampa Bay Times |date=May 7, 2012 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} Although the US failed to place, finishing seventh in the pool of 16,{{cite web |title=2012 IIHF Men's World Championship |url=https://teamusa.usahockey.com/page/show/2668955-2012-iihf-men-s-world-championship |publisher=USA Hockey |access-date=September 28, 2021}} Thompson had two critical moments during the opening stages. First, he scored a regulation goal in Team USA's 5–4 overtime victory against Canada, the first time that the US defeated Canada at the World Championships since 2001.{{cite news |title=U.S. Defeats Canada at Hockey World Championships |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/06/sports/hockey/us-defeats-canada-at-hockey-world-championships.html |work=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press |date=May 5, 2012 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} Later, Thompson scored the go-ahead goal in a 5–3 defeat of Belarus.{{Cite news |title=U.S. defeats Belarus in worlds |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/hockey/story/_/id/7917175/nate-thompson-lifts-us-belarus-world-hockey-championships |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=May 10, 2012 |access-date=September 28, 2021}}

Thompson reprised his role as the alternate captain of Team USA at the 2013 IIHF World Championships, serving alongside Lightning teammate Matt Carle, while Paul Stastny of the Colorado Avalanche captained the team.{{Cite news |title=Stastny named captain for U.S. team at Worlds |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/stastny-named-captain-for-u-s-team-at-worlds/c-669012 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=May 3, 2013 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} Thompson scored his first goal in the tournament as part of an 8–3 rout of Russia in the Cluster B Quarterfinals; it was the first time that a Russian or Soviet Union team had allowed eight or more goals at an international ice hockey competition.{{cite news |title=United States trounces Russia at world hockey championship |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/united-states-trounces-russia-at-world-hockey-championship-1.1393172 |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |agency=Associated Press |date=May 16, 2013 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} Thompson and the US team ultimately took bronze in the tournament, defeating Finland 3–2 in a penalty shootout.{{Cite magazine |title=U.S. takes bronze medal at IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships |url=https://www.si.com/more-sports/2013/05/19/united-states-hockey-bronze-medal |magazine=Sports Illustrated |agency=Associated Press |date=May 16, 2013 |access-date=September 28, 2021}}

Thompson married his first wife, former Boston College Eagles women's ice hockey player Cristin Stuart, in July 2013.{{cite news |last=Tappen |first=Kathryn |title=Tapped In: Thompson talks finding success in Tampa |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/m_news.htm?id=692223 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=November 23, 2013 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} They have one child together, Teague Thompson, born on May 18, 2015.{{cite news |last=Cudzinowski |first=Matt |title=Thompson: 'I cherish every day that I get to be his dad' |url=https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/nate-thompson---teague---fathers-day---june-16/c-307863982 |publisher=National Hockey League |agency=Montreal Canadiens |date=June 16, 2019 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} By marriage to Cristin, Thompson was the son-in-law to Mayo Clinic physician Michael Stuart, and the brother-in-law to NHL players Mike, Colin, and Mark Stuart.{{cite web|url=http://www.pointstreaksites.com/view/rochestericehawks/team/medical-staff-2|title=Medical Staff: Michael Stuart M.D.|year=2015|website=Rochester Ice Hawks|access-date=February 28, 2023}}

Raised in a Christian family, Thompson converted to Judaism in July 2018, the same faith of his second wife, Sydney Kaplan. The couple wed one week after Thompson's conversion was finalized.{{cite news |last=Cooper |first=Josh |title=Nate Thompson on his decision to convert to Judaism: 'I like what I'm a part of' |url=https://theathletic.com/532697/2018/09/19/nate-thompson-on-his-decision-to-convert-to-judaism-i-like-what-im-a-part-of/ |work=The Athletic |date=September 19, 2018 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} Thompson and Kaplan separated December 2020 and their divorce was finalized July 2021.{{Cite web|title=KAPLAN, SYDNEY VS THOMPSON, NATHAN|url=https://unicourt.com/case/ca-la23-kaplan-sydney-vs-thompson-nathan-633125|access-date=2022-02-15|website=UniCourt|language=en}}

For most of his professional hockey career, Thompson struggled with substance abuse. He began drinking alcohol around the age of 11, and by his mid-20s, he was taking a number of recreational drugs, including cocaine, MDMA, and psilocybin mushrooms.{{cite news |last=Cowan |first=Stu |title=Canadiens' Nate Thompson hopes story of his struggles can help others |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/nhl/hockey-inside-out/canadiens-nate-thompson-hopes-story-of-his-struggles-can-help-others |work=Montreal Gazette |date=January 14, 2020 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} He made the decision to stop drinking and using drugs on October 10, 2016, and has been sober since.{{cite news |last=Dillman |first=Lisa |title=After hitting 'rock bottom,' Kings' Nate Thompson found support system in NHL to help him get sober |url=https://theathletic.com/583114/2018/10/11/after-hitting-rock-bottom-kings-nate-thompson-found-support-system-in-nhl-to-help-him-get-sober/ |work=The Athletic |date=October 11, 2018 |access-date=September 28, 2021}} When he joined the Jets, Thompson elected to wear jersey No. 11 as a tribute to Rick Rypien, who died by suicide in 2011 after signing with the Jets. He made the decision as a tribute to Rypien and both players' struggles with their mental health.{{cite news |last=Thomas |first=Jamie |title=Jets announce number changees, Thompson to wear 11 in honor of Rypien |url=https://www.nhl.com/jets/news/jets-announce-number-changes-thompson-to-wear-11-in-honour-of-rypien/c-319475714 |publisher=National Hockey League |agency=Winnipeg Jets |date=October 19, 2020 |access-date=September 28, 2021}}

As of 2021, Thompson dated former actor/model and current sculptor, Sonni Pacheco.{{cite web |title=Post of confirmation of dating. |url=https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=/p/CZ9rm-slm2h/ |access-date=2022-02-15 |website=www.instagram.com}} Pacheco is Jeremy Renner's ex-wife and they share a daughter, Ava Berlin Renner. Thompson and Pacheco welcomed daughter Wylder Rayne on March 21, 2023.

• List of select Jewish ice hockey players

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Ice hockey stats}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Thompson, Nate}}

Category:1984 births

Category:Alaska Aces (ECHL) players

Category:American men's ice hockey centers

Category:Anaheim Ducks players

Category:Boston Bruins draft picks

Category:Boston Bruins players

Category:Ice hockey people from Anchorage, Alaska

Category:Jewish American sportspeople

Category:Living people

Category:Los Angeles Kings players

Category:Montreal Canadiens players

Category:New York Islanders players

Category:Ontario Reign (AHL) players

Category:Ottawa Senators players

Category:Philadelphia Flyers players

Category:Providence Bruins players

Category:San Diego Gulls (AHL) players

Category:Seattle Thunderbirds players

Category:Stuart family

Category:Tampa Bay Lightning players

Category:Winnipeg Jets players

Category:Converts to Judaism from Christianity