Islanders Beat Hurricanes 5-4 in OT Sunrise, FL -- Last Sunday, the New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/game-day/morning-after-twists-and-turns-yields-unfathomable-islanders-win-in-carolina] acquired forward Tyce Thompson [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/islanders-send-durandeau-to-devils-for-thompson] from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for forward Arnaud Durandeau. It was a swap of prospects, ones that are hoping their new home provides new opportunities as they continue to battle for that NHL dream. NHL.com’s Mike Morreale on Durandeau for Thompson Trade Thompson has five assists in 15 games so far this season in the AHL. The Hockey News had the chance to speak to Thompson ahead of his first weekend with Bridgeport. The now 24-year-old forward, who was drafted in the fourth round by New Jersey in 2019, has ties to the Islanders organization, with his father being former Bridgeport head coach Brent Thompson. A native of Oyster Bay, Long Island, growing up in the Connecticut area, Tyce grew up playing for the Junior Islanders. Coming back to the place where he started playing the beautiful game makes it a tad easier to transition. "It's definitely easier being traded to the Islanders organization," Thompson said. "I think if I was traded elsewhere, it might be a little harder not knowing anyone or what to expect." Coming back to Bridgeport reminds Thompson of special memories from his childhood. "Just going to the rink every day with my dad as a kid. He would take me in after school, we'd come down, and we'd even miss school sometimes," Thompson said. "Coming to the rink, we'd skate and be out there and be in a locker room with the guys, which was pretty cool. I think being in a hockey family could definitely benefit you. "Now, coming full circle, I'm playing here where I was skating when I was 11-12 years old, and it's definitely pretty cool." Tyce will always appreciate the team that he started his professional career with. "I had a great time being a part of the Devils organization, a first-class organization," Thompson said. "They treat all the players with a ton of respect, and they drafted me." "They had a lot of trust in me and gave me an opportunity to play in my first NHL game." Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAyNjA0MDk3MDA0NjQzMzQw/usatsi_21540819.jpg] Thompson appreciates his time in New Jersey but looks forward to translating his past experiences to success with his new team. "I'm definitely thankful for everything they've done with me and what I've learned there from the coaching staff, management, and my teammates," Thompson said. "Just moving on now to a new opportunity here. I'm just trying to take what I learned in New Jersey for the last three years and applying it here." It was very surprising for Thompson when he found out he was traded. "I was pretty shocked, honestly. I didn't expect to come in, and I got a call in the morning on an off day from Dan MacKinnon, our assistant GM, and he told me I was traded. "I didn't really know what to expect, but once I settled in and got my head around it, I was pretty excited for a fresh and new opportunity to come here and be impactful for the Islanders' organization." Some players have newfound success with new teams. Thompson believes this change of scenery will boost his game. "I do. I think having a fresh, clean slate brings a lot of energy out of guys often times in trades, and hopefully, it can do the same for me," Thompson said. "Growing up around Connecticut, my dad coaching here, and knowing a few players on the team, that familiarity makes the transition a lot smoother." A few of Thompson's new teammates are some players he's skated with before. "I played with Bryan Pinho last year in Utica, so we're pretty close. Having him here is definitely very nice," Thompson said. "Along with (Aidan) Fulp in Dubuque for a year in junior with Aidan. "(Kyle) MacLean, I have known over the years but never played with him besides USA camps and different tournaments. I always grew up playing against him. So we knew we knew each other from that. So definitely a few familiar faces, and it's going to make it a lot easier coming in and getting acclimated." More than Thompson coming back to Bridgeport only being a great story, his play on the ice could make a big impact on the team. His play style will translate well for Bridgeport. "I think I'm a high-energy competitive player that plays a 200-foot game, reliable, and can produce offense when needed." There are some areas where Thompson feels the need to improve. That comes in both ends of the rink. "I want to show that I can get back to being more of an all-around player and produce more offense than what I have in the past," Thompson said. "Of course, I can always get better in all areas around the ice, so whether it's wall play or being down low, whatever it is," Thompson said. "There's just so many parts of the game that you're always trying to get better at." Thompson is overcoming adversity while trying to find consistency in his game. "I've had a few injuries that have kind of set me back a little bit, but now I think I'm turning the corner," Thompson said. "I think I'm going to start to find my stride here a little bit and get going in the right direction." Thompson's brother, Tage, is a star in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres. Tyce can find some similarities in his and his brother's development. "He went through it all before me, so it's nice to see him go through it," Thompson said. "He faced a lot of adversity, he was traded, and kind of gone through similarities being called up, sent down and scratched and whatnot." Thompson isn't afraid to ask his brother for some tips about his career when he needs them. "So, seeing that and when that happens to me, he always has good advice, and it's nice to just bounce different ideas off him," Tage's path to the NHL has provided a motivation for Thompson to make it there as well. "I'm obviously happy for his success," Thompson said. "It's definitely deserving, but it's more eye-opening to see how hard he works and what he's done to influence me to do the same." Thompson is still young but has dreams of playing in the NHL full-time. While in Bridgeport, he wants to help the team however he can. "To come to a fresh start and play the best I can to help the team win here," Thompson said. "Ultimately, my biggest goal is to play in the NHL." "So I want to do what I can here and help them and play the best I can and then hopefully get called up and be an impactful player for this organization as a whole wherever I'm at." Thompson has 11 games of experience in the NHL, where he tallied a single assist with the Devils in 2021. With a fresh start in a familiar place like Bridgeport, Thompson has big goals for this season and beyond.
