That Thompson was signed to a two-year deal, with the first season counted for what remains of 2020-21, is also a clear sign that the Devils hockey operations department thinks he's at least close to being ready for NHL action.
When will that time come? Thompson doesn't know but is doing everything he can to be ready and is grateful for the opportunity to start immediately by practicing with the big club.
"I want to play in the NHL and now was the best time for me," he said, "and I'm willing to do anything that it takes to help the team to get there."
Thompson is the son of Brent Thompson, the head coach of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and himself a former pro, including 121 NHL games, most with the Los Angeles Kings. Brent Thompson's eldest son is Tage, the Buffalo Sabres forward now in his fourth NHL season. If Tyce plays in a game this season, he will become the fourth player on the team to also have a brother play in the NHL. Right now, Jesper Boqvist (Adam-Chicago), Jack Hughes (Quinn-Vancouver) and P.K. Subban (Malcolm-Chicago) have siblings playing in the league.
How does Brent Thompson see Tyce fitting in?
"He works hard and is a student of the game, good hockey sense," said his father, "He'll do what he needs to fit in but if there is one thing, I would say he needs to improve upon it's putting on size, get stronger and then using that size, strength better. He's going to find that playing against men every game, guys are bigger and stronger."
Thompson is 6'1" and still growing. He's a right-shot who has played both center and right wing. Stranger things have happened but he projects on the wing to start his pro career. At Providence, Friars head coach Nate Leaman used him at both positions, in any situation and on both speciality teams. Projecting where he fits in the Devils, or B-Devlis lineup is a mug's game so early after his signing but Thompson can provide role-player type energy with some skill that could see him play up the lineup. A stint in Binghamton, learning the grind of professional hockey, also seems logical.
Thompson made no excuses for the early exit from the NCAA post-season and failing to make the tournament. The Friars were the last team eliminated for at-large consideration and were wait-listed for an extra day in case any team had to drop out by failing to meet COVID protocols. That day passed without any school running into trouble and the Friars season officially ended.
Thompson's signing was announced a few days later. As it turned out, both Notre Dame and Michigan had to forfeit tournament spots but it was too late for Thompson and Providence.
"I had a great three years I just wished it was a bit longer," he said.
For now, Thompson is just emerging from his mandatory quarantine. He wasn't completely isolated and could have one-on-one instruction with the Devils player development staff while the big club was on its recent road trip. His downtime was spent taking virtual classes - he still plans on getting his degree from Providence - playing Xbox and watching television shows.
That's typical 21-year-old stuff. COVID has denied many of the typical perks of pro hockey but Thompson was impressed with the suite he was placed in when he arrived in Newark
"It's even got a kitchen, not that I cook much," he said.
