Thompson, 26, set a new franchise record and finished second (tie) in the American Hockey League with 33 goals in 73 games for Albany last season; he entered 2014-15 with 39 goals in 200 AHL contests. Thompson ranked second in the AHL with 13 power-play tallies and was fifth with 237 shots on goal. The 6-1, 205-lb. forward’s four-year professional career also includes three seasons with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL) under new Devils’ Head Coach John Hynes, as well as stints with Springfield (AHL) and Wheeling (ECHL). He signed with Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent on March 28, 2011.A native of Methuen, MA, Thompson made his professional debut with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on April 1, 2011 vs. Charlotte after four years at the University of New Hampshire (HE). During his senior season, Thompson recorded 28g-24a-52pts in 39 games for the Wildcats, was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award and was named to the NCAA East First All-American Team. He also led Hockey East in scoring, was chosen as the conference’s Player of the Year and as a member of its First All-Star Team.Prior to his collegiate career, Thompson played two seasons with the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (EJHL). He scored a league-leading 45 goals/83 points in 2006-07 and was named the EJHL’s Most Valuable Player.