Nate Thompson

Thompson was acquired by Montreal prior to the trade deadline with the expectation that he'd be able to stabilize the Canadiens' fourth line for their playoff run. He had just seven points in 25 games with the Habs, and 13 points in 78 games overall, but the veteran pivot did what was expected -- win faceoffs and kill penalties. His performance landed him a one-year contract with Montreal in April, however, it remains to be seen if he'll be the fourth-line center on Opening Night, or if coach Claude Julien will opt to go with a more offensive-minded player. Either way, Thompson hasn't eclipsed the 20-point threshold since 2010-11, and won't have any fantasy value in 2019-20.

Thompson isn't much on offense, as he's only topped 20 points once in his career — and that was in 2011. But he can contribute with hits, and if your league counts them, he can be a viable option in helping you steal the category. Last year, he dished out 137 hits, showing that he can bang with the best of them. However, other than that, Thompson doesn't do much for your numbers. For all his hitting, he doesn't take many penalties, making him an NHL coach's dream and a fantasy nightmare in many formats. If your league doesn't count hits, there's no need to bother with Thompson.

Thompson was traded to the Ducks in June after the season had ended. Anaheim has to feel somewhat optimistic about his future, as both his points and plus-minus rating has trended upwards for each of the last three seasons. But he will remain a bottom-six option (and maybe even in the bottom three) and fantasy value will be sorely limited.

Thompson is the perfect role player -- he'll do whatever you ask. His skill set is limited, but his commitment to his team is huge. But fantasy-wise, that just doesn't translate into much value at all.

Thompson brings his lunch bucket to work every single day and he's the perfect employee -- he jumps before you ask and leaves everything on the ice. Hard work will keep him in the NHL, but it won't make him fantasy worthy unless your league counts blocked shots, hits and perhaps shorthanded time-on-ice.

Thompson is a perfect number four center. He throws hits, blocks shots, kills penalties and even throws in a fair number of points. He should come close to replicating his numbers from last season and that may earn him the last spot in deep leagues with specialty categories.

Thompson is the perfect lunch pail toting, blue collar wearing hockey player. He does everything that's asked of him but his heart is bigger than his talent. He's definitely mis-cast as third liner but could provide value on the fourth line or in the A. He just won't provide any fantasy value.

Thompson appeared in 43 games for the Islanders in 2008-09, but recorded just four points. He will probably shuttle to and from Bridgeport and when he is with the big club, will likely be called for fourth-line duty.

In his his third season in the AHL, Thompson contributed 19 goals and 39 points last year. He's an energy guy who could eventually graduate to a third- or fourth-line/penalty kill role with the Bruins.

Not expected to spend much time at the NHL level this season. Thompson saw only four games with the B's last season, and will probably spend most of his time this year in the AHL.