The Vancouver Canucks have officially acquired right-shot defenseman Jack Thompson from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for minor-league player Jett Woo. This trade does not impact either team’s active roster since both players were already situated in the minors at the time of the deal.
Thompson, a 23-year-old who has seen movement between teams in recent years, was previously picked up by San Jose at the 2024 trade deadline from the Tampa Bay Lightning as part of the deal that sent rental winger Anthony Duclair to Tampa. Originally drafted in the third round by the Lightning in 2020, Thompson began gaining attention during his time in the AHL, where he scored 32 points in 46 games for Syracuse.
Last season, he balanced his playtime between the Sharks and their AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda. In the NHL, Thompson played 31 games and recorded 10 points with a -9 rating, averaging just under 16 minutes of ice time per game. While he may not be known for his physicality or defensive prowess, he made a significant offensive impact, particularly evident in his 5-on-5 expected goals percentage, where he ranked third on the Sharks’ defense line with 47.1.
However, with the Sharks bolstering their blue line by signing veterans Dmitry Orlov and John Klingberg, and with top prospect Sam Dickinson securing a spot, Thompson’s opportunities dwindled. This season, he surprisingly cleared waivers and has spent all his time with the Barracuda, managing only three goals and 12 points in 42 games—far lower than his past AHL performances.
The Canucks may see this trade as an opportunity for Thompson to rejuvenate his career, especially following their recent trade of Tyler Myers to the Dallas Stars, which highlighted a need for right-side depth. In a move to fill that void, they have recalled Cole Clayton, a 26-year-old with no NHL experience, but Thompson’s arrival likely positions him ahead in the depth chart. He will compete for consistent NHL minutes alongside young talents Tom Willander and Victor Mancini, supporting top-pair right-shot Filip Hronek.
On the other hand, Woo, who was a second-round selection in 2018 with potential as a depth defenseman and power-play option, has yet to debut in the NHL despite being 25 years old. Currently a pending Group VI unrestricted free agent, Woo is viewed as a minor asset for the Sharks—a player they might retain as a supplementary piece while they focus on developing their more promising defensive prospects.
Overall, this trade presents a fresh start for Thompson in Vancouver, where he can aim to regain his former productive form and contribute positively to the Canucks’ defensive lineup as they navigate the remainder of the season.