Will the Montreal Canadiens Trade Nate Thompson?

With the month of January coming to a close and the Montreal Canadiens currently 10 points out of a playoff spot, we may start to see changes to the roster if they cannot put together a few wins.

It was reported by TSN’s Pierre Lebrun during the intermission of the Habs and Capitals match that the Washington Capitals have expressed interest in Montreal Canadiens forward Nate Thompson.

This should come as no surprise as Washington is looking to make a significant push in the post-season to contend for their second Stanley Cup in three years and will be looking to add to their depth.

Nate Thompson would add just the kind of depth a playoff team would need on their bottom-six lines. Although he cannot be relied on to score at a regular pace, Thompson currently has a faceoff percentage of 54.48%, something every suitable team desires for their fourth line.

Thompson would certainly come to use in defensive zone face-offs, penalty killing and the occasional bit of offense depending on his linemates.

Market Value

If the Montreal Canadiens opt to sell at the trade deadline, the question remains as to what Thompson can fetch value-wise. Considering he was acquired for a fourth-round pick, it would make sense to try to acquire the same or maybe as high as a third-round pick in the draft this June.

In 51 games played, Thompson already has three more points than he did all of last season, and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, he would make a suitable rental option for any playoff team in contention.

At a comfortable one million dollar contract, it is also both an easy contract to move and acquire.

A Leader for the Youth

The reason the Montreal Canadiens would want to keep Thompson on the team is more than just about his faceoffs and penalty killing. It is about the effort and work ethic he brings to the ice every practice and game, something younger players can look up to when honing in their game.

Everyone in the room respects and admires him for his perseverance and leadership, and Thompson has gone about how he loves playing for the team.

An example of Thompson’s leadership can be seen earlier this season with Nick Suzuki. At first, Nick Suzuki was playing on the second line without getting much going for him, but after playing with Thompson, who pushed him to better, Suzuki starting racking up the points.

Suzuki is now playing some of the best hockey we’ve seen so far from him in a Montreal Canadiens jersey and is one of the better rookies in the NHL this season.

If the Canadiens are out of the playoff race by the trade deadline but also want to resign Thompson, a trade can still happen, but the two parties can make an agreement to bring him back in the summer, similar to what was done with Tomas Plekanec in 2017.