Career Timeline of Nate Thompson: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 1, 2025

Discover the career path of Nate Thompson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Nate Thompson is a retired American professional ice hockey forward, drafted by the Boston Bruins in 2003. He played for multiple NHL teams throughout his career, including the New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Anaheim Ducks, Ottawa Senators, Los Angeles Kings, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers and Winnipeg Jets. Thompson was known for his role as a versatile player.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2001: Played for Seattle Thunderbirds

In 2001, Nate Thompson began playing major junior ice hockey for the Western Hockey League (WHL)'s Seattle Thunderbirds.

2001: First US Victory against Canada

In 2001, The US defeated Canada at the World Championships.

2003: Continued with Seattle Thunderbirds

In 2003, Nate Thompson continued playing with the Thunderbirds after being drafted by the Bruins.

2003: Drafted by Boston Bruins

In 2003, Nate Thompson was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the sixth round, 183rd overall, at the NHL Entry Draft held on June 21–22.

July 20, 2005: Signed with Bruins

On July 20, 2005, Nate Thompson signed an entry-level contract with the Boston Bruins.

2005: Professional Debut with Providence Bruins

In 2005, Nate Thompson made his professional debut by joining the Providence Bruins, the AHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins, during their Calder Cup playoffs run.

2006: NHL Debut with Bruins

In 2006, Nate Thompson made his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins, playing four games, while spending most of the season with Providence in the AHL.

October 8, 2008: Claimed by New York Islanders

On October 8, 2008, Nate Thompson was claimed off waivers by the New York Islanders before the start of the 2008-09 NHL season and added to their NHL roster.

July 27, 2009: Re-signed with Islanders

On July 27, 2009, Nate Thompson was re-signed to a one-year contract with the New York Islanders.

January 21, 2010: Claimed by Tampa Bay Lightning

On January 21, 2010, Nate Thompson was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Lightning from the New York Islanders.

July 10, 2010: Re-signed with Tampa Bay Lightning

On July 10, 2010, Nate Thompson was re-signed to a one-year contract by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

January 31, 2011: Signed Contract Extension with Tampa Bay

On January 31, 2011, Nate Thompson signed a two-year contract extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2012: Represented Team USA

In 2012, Nate Thompson represented the United States at the Ice Hockey World Championships, serving as an alternate captain. He scored a goal against Canada, marking the first US victory against Canada at the World Championships since 2001.

March 3, 2013: Signed contract extension with Tampa Bay Lightning

On March 3, 2013, Nate Thompson signed a four-year contract extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2013: Played in the 2013 IIHF World Championships

In 2013, Nate Thompson served as the alternate captain for Team USA at the IIHF World Championships, scored a goal against Russia in the quarterfinals, and won a bronze medal after defeating Finland in a penalty shootout.

June 29, 2014: Traded to Anaheim Ducks

On June 29, 2014, Nate Thompson was traded by the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for two picks in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

2017: Signed with Ottawa Senators

In 2017, Nate Thompson signed a two-year, $3.3 million contract with the Ottawa Senators, reuniting him with his former Lightning coach Guy Boucher.

February 13, 2018: Traded to Los Angeles Kings

On February 13, 2018, Nate Thompson and Dion Phaneuf were acquired by the Los Angeles Kings from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Marián Gáborík and Nick Shore.

2018: Returned to Kings for 2018-19 Season

In 2018, Nate Thompson returned to the Los Angeles Kings for the 2018-19 NHL season, centering Kyle Clifford and Trevor Lewis on the fourth line. He also mentored rookie Austin Wagner.

February 11, 2019: Traded to Montreal Canadiens

On February 11, 2019, Nate 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.

April 25, 2019: Signed contract extension with Montreal Canadiens

On April 25, 2019, Nate Thompson signed a one-year, $1 million contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens.

February 24, 2020: Traded to Philadelphia Flyers

On February 24, 2020, Nate Thompson was traded by the Montreal Canadiens to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a fifth-round selection in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

October 10, 2020: Signed with Winnipeg Jets

On October 10, 2020, Nate Thompson agreed to a one-year, $750,000 contract with the Winnipeg Jets.

2021: Played in the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs

In 2021, Nate Thompson participated in the Stanley Cup playoffs with the Winnipeg Jets, contributing to the team's advancement to the second round.

2021: Rejoined Philadelphia Flyers

In 2021, during the NHL free agency period, Nate Thompson signed a one-year, $800,000 deal to rejoin the Philadelphia Flyers on July 28.

October 11, 2022: Signed with Ontario Reign

On October 11, 2022, after being released from his tryout with the Kings, Nate Thompson signed a professional tryout contract with the Ontario Reign, the AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings.