The Montreal Canadiens acquired Nate Thompson at last year’s trade deadline. They were looking for an upgrade to their fourth line centre slot that was occupied by Michael Chaput. They certainly did upgrade the position when they picked up Thompson along with a fifth round draft pick in exchange for a fourth round pick.
Thompson played well for the Habs over the final 25 games of the season. He had just one goal and seven points, but he was not brought in to light up the scoreboard. He was brought in to play a defensive role, win faceoffs and provide some veteran leadership to a young group of forwards.