Mon, Feb 11, 2019 at 2:40pm

NATE THOMPSON TO MONTREAL

The Montreal Canadiens acquired forward Nate Thompson and a fifth-round draft pick in 2019 from the Los Angeles Kings for a fourth-round draft pick in 2019.

What does it give the Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens did not give up much here (a slight draft pick downgrade) in exchange for the 34-year-old Thompson--who instantly improves Montreal's face-off situation. Only Phillip Danault (56 GP, 53.4%) has a face-off winning percentage higher than 50% among Habs centers this season. Therefore, Thompson should help quite a bit in that area. He is expected to center the fourth line and kill penalties for Montreal.

What does it give the Los Angeles Kings
The Kings' rebuild continues here, although they did not get back a lot for their fourth-line center. With Thompson gone, Michael Amadio should receive quality playing time down the stretch for LA. After seeing defenseman Jake Muzzin and now Thompson leave Los Angeles, who is next? Center Jeff Carter? Winger Carl Hagelin? Defensemen Dion Phaneuf and Alec Martinez? The Kings are open for business at present time.

Fantasy impact
There is no real fantasy impact here, although Amadio should benefit the most from Thompson's departure. Take a wait-and-see approach on Amadio, though, as the Kings can struggle to score goals at times.