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Guy Boucher is big on trust.

There’s no question centre Nate Thompson earned the trust of the Ottawa Senators head coach during the two seasons they spent together with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and that was a big reason why Thompson was signed to a two-year, $3.3-million deal on the first day of National Hockey League free agency.

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The Senators were looking for depth at centre, which was why they decided to sign the 32-year-old Thompson, who suited up for only 30 games with the Anaheim Ducks last season because of an Achilles tendon injury.

“We’re really happy to have him on board. Guy knowing him definitely helped,” said Dorion, who added Senators pro scouts kept an eye on Thompson all season. “When you have a coach that really likes his role players, that helps.

“We have a bit more of a condensed schedule compared to other teams this year, so the key is going to be having our four lines playing as balanced hockey as possible. That will be important for us. With the Sweden trip in November, we’re going to have lots of days away.”