The Bridgeport Islanders sent forward Arnaud Durandeau to the Utica Comets in exchange for winger Tyce Thompson in a one-for-one trade. Both teams are hoping that a change of scenery will help these players make progress this season.
Thompson has five assists in 15 games this season with the Comets and is a plus-four. In 2022-23, he scored seven goals and added 19 assists in 56 games. That was his most productive season as a pro.
Tyce Thompson’s Background and Local Ties to the Bridgegport Islanders
The former Providence College star was originally selected by the New Jersey Devils in the fourth round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft with the 96th overall pick. Thompson has played 11 games in the NHL thus far and recorded his first NHL point, an assist, during the 2020-21 season. The assist came in his first game in the league on a goal by Damon Severson.
Thompson comes from a hockey family and has ties to Bridgeport and Long Island. His brother Tage Thompson plays for the Buffalo Sabres. His father, Brent Thompson, served two stints as the head coach in Bridgeport and is currently an assistant coach with the Anaheim Ducks.
Tyce grew up on Long Island and played with the Junior Islanders youth hockey program while living in Oyster Bay.
He later won two New England Championships at the Salisbury School in Salisbury, Connecticut.
To add to Thompson’s ties to the Islanders organization, he played his college hockey at Providence College which is the alma mater of Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello.
At Providence, Thompson played both center and wing. His versatility could help him earn more playing time in Bridgeport as he can play wherever he’s most needed in the lineup. He stands 6’1” and weighs 175 pounds.
What Tyce Thompson’s Role Will Be for the Bridgeport Islanders
Thompson did not make his Bridgeport Islanders debut on Sunday, the day of the trade. The Islanders defeated the Belleville Senators 4-2.
It is possible Thompson will be called up to the New York Islanders for their Tuesday night game against the New Jersey Devils in Newark. That may depend on whether forward Matt Martin is ready to return off injured reserve. Once Martin is activated, Thompson is expected to join Bridgeport.
Thompson is a solid-two way forward at the AHL level. He has good speed and is responsible defensively. Nobody questions Thompson’s hustle or effort. He is effective off the cycle and can win battles for pucks in the corners.
Because he comes from a hockey family and is the son of a former NHL player and coach, he understands the game very well and has a high hockey IQ.
He and Durandeau are considered similar players in style and both teams hope the trade inspires both players to step up their games. The Islanders are hoping Thompson can add some juice to their lineup as they try to bounce back from a slow start to the 2023-24 AHL campaign.
