We took a look at all 35 players in the system that are aged 25 or younger (as of October 1, 2023) and ranked them. Welcome to the Top 25 Under 25. At #8, the most promising defender under 25 in the Lightning stable, Jack *bleeping* Thompson.
Bio
Age: 21
Position: Right Defense
Draft: 2020 Round 3 (93 overall)
2023-24 Team: Syracuse Crunch
2022 Ranking: 8th
Stats
Scouting Report
There is a lot to like about Jack Thompson as a prospect. He’s still 21 years old and will be for pretty much the entire season. He’s right handed. And over the course of his years in junior then the AHL, Thompson has developed a wide range of tools outside his signature shot, to be valuable on the back end. With all of that in place, it’s no surprise Thompson is the highest defender in our Top 25 Under 25. That’s correct, the next seven players are either forwards or goalies.
I think it says a lot about the Lightning’s depth on defense that their highest ranked prospect is only eighth among the group. That either indicates some forwards are too high, or the high end defenders are non-existent. I think the latter is definitely true, the Lightning have no impact defenders coming down the pipeline, but Thompson is developing into a very good depth defender in a corps that is developing a lot of very good, useful role players.
The roles can vary, like Roman Schmidt who can run players into the front row of seats, and shut down the puck in the defensive zone. Carlile and Crozier are mobile in the offensive zone and can otherwise be a big body for forwards to play around. Powell is most like Thompson in that he provides power play value and transition skills (also like Crozier). Thompson can play in most of these roles, which gives him an advantage over the other role players.
Like I hinted at, Thompson’s best skill is his shot, which is very good. It, along with his skating and lateral footwork, allows Thompson to be a very useful player on the power play, and in the NHL could lead to second unit time. Over the years, Thompson has built on his one skill to have a very effective defensive game. His mobility and positional awarness allow him to play against rushes and in the defensive zone without much fuss. I won’t be surprised if he gets on the PK for the Syracuse Crunch this sophomore season.
I’m curious to see Thompson’s next progression as he’s in the thick of his development curve at the moment. We could see skating or weight improve by a significant amount (both would help him) and allow him to be more versatile without the puck and possibly take on bigger/better competition. He’ll be in a fight with the very deep back end of the Crunch for icetime. On the right side, it’ll be his job to get up near the first pair. Competing with Sean Day for that first pair offensive job would be a massive step forward and would say a lot about his future prospects.
Highlights
Thompson’ and the Lightning prospect pool overview.
Thompson’s AHL stats.
Thompson’s Dobber report.
