Thompson excited to play in Great White North

On the ice, Nate Thompson’s familiarity and previous success with Ottawa Senators coach Guy Boucher should make for a relatively easy transition to his new squad.

Off the ice, though, Thompson acknowledges there might be a little “culture shock” in adjusting to a Canadian climate after spending the past eight seasons in Tampa Bay and Anaheim.

“That was the exciting part about signing here,” said Thompson, who signed a two-year, US$3.3 million contract as a free agent on July 1, becoming the de facto fourthline centre replacement for Chris Kelly.

“Not only is it a good team, but coming to a Canadian market and learning the new ways in Canada and living here, I’m extremely excited.”

Thompson, a 32-year-old native of Alaska who has spent the past few days finding a home in Ottawa, jokes about selling his California girlfriend, Sydney, on the “adventure” of coming here.

As for his no nonsense style of play, strong defensively with an ability to win key faceoffs (53.1 per cent during the 2016-17 regular season), Thompson says there should be few surprises.

“I’m not going to try and play outside myself,” he said.

Thompson scored one goal and added an assist in 30 games with Anaheim during a 2016-17 season that saw him recover from an Achilles injury. He scored two goals and four assists in 17 playoff games, playing a significant role on a Ducks squad that advanced to the Western Conference Final.

He played with Tampa Bay from 2009-14, including two-plus seasons under Boucher as head coach.

Thompson is hoping to follow the lead of Tom Pyatt, who had a solid 2016-17 season with the Senators after earning Boucher’s trust while both were in Tampa. He has high hopes with the Senators.

“This team now is ready to win,” he said. “I don’t think this was a Cinderella team (in the 2017 playoffs), it was the real deal. They have a pretty good window to win games and hopefully do something even more special.”

Whatever success Thompson has, it will come sporting a new number. Ever since his Tampa days, Thompson has worn 44. With Jean-Gabriel Pageau owning those digits here, Thompson wasn’t about to “rock the boat.” He has gone back to his old high school number of 17.

“I did pretty well there,” he said. “I don’t know if I will be leading (the Senators) in points, but I’ve had some good luck with it. We won the state championship. Hopefully, it’s the same thing here.” Ken Warren