Orange County Register beat writer Eric Stephens reports that center Nate Thompson is expected to be back in the lineup tonight after missing more than 7 months with an Achilles injury suffered during an offseason workout.
The 32-year-old veteran took line rushes with Joseph Cramarossa and Logan Shaw this morning, so expect that combination to hold down 4th line responsibilities.
Thompson adds more faceoff prowess (52.7 FO% over 2 seasons with the Ducks) as well as effective penalty killing and physical play.
Thompson will play after returning from a 3-game conditioning sting with the San Diego Gulls where he registered 1 assist, 6 shots, and 2 penalty minutes.