Jack Thompson Bio
Jack Thompson is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman who currently plays for the San Jose Barracuda in the American Hockey League while under contract to the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League. Born on March 19, 2002, in Courtice, Ontario, Canada, Thompson was selected 93rd overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft before eventually joining the Sharks organization. The right-shot defenseman began his professional career in 2020 and has developed into a promising blue-liner at the AHL level.
Early Life and Background
Jack Thompson grew up in Courtice, Ontario, where he developed his passion for hockey at a young age. Playing the defenseman position, Thompson honed his skills in the Ontario minor hockey system before advancing to the junior ranks. His development as a right-handed shooting defenseman provided him with valuable experience as he progressed through the Canadian hockey pipeline.
Path to Professional Hockey
Prior to turning professional, Thompson played major junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League with the Sudbury Wolves. Over the course of his OHL career, he appeared in 115 games with Sudbury, gaining valuable experience against some of the top junior players in Canada. His strong defensive play and consistency caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
Jack Thompson Career
Tampa Bay Lightning Draft and Early Development (2020–2021)
The Tampa Bay Lightning selected Jack Thompson with the 93rd overall pick in the third round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Following his draft year, during the 2020-21 OHL season, Thompson was loaned to Surahammars IF of Sweden’s Division 1 league. This opportunity arose while he waited for the OHL season to resume after its postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The league ultimately cancelled the entire season, making his time in Sweden a crucial developmental experience.
While playing in Sweden, Thompson demonstrated his two-way play, recording nine goals and nine assists for 18 points in 18 games with Surahammars IF. His performance overseas helped accelerate his transition to professional hockey.
Syracuse Crunch and AHL Development (2021–2024)
On May 18, 2021, the Tampa Bay Lightning signed Thompson to a three-year, entry-level contract. Before joining the Lightning organization full-time, he had already gained his first taste of professional hockey, appearing in one game with Tampa Bay’s AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. In that professional debut, Thompson recorded an assist, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively from the blue line.
Following the signing, Thompson joined the Syracuse Crunch and later became a consistent presence on the Barracuda blue line. He continued developing his defensive game while gaining valuable professional experience in the American Hockey League.
San Jose Sharks Era (2024–Present)
On January 6, 2024, Thompson made his National Hockey League debut with the Tampa Bay Lightning, playing against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. This milestone marked the culmination of years of development and represented his first appearance at the NHL level.
On March 7, 2024, Thompson’s career trajectory shifted significantly when the Lightning traded him to the San Jose Sharks. Tampa Bay sent Thompson and a 2024 third-round draft pick to San Jose in exchange for forward Anthony Duclair. The trade provided Thompson with a fresh start and increased opportunity within the Sharks organization.
Thompson made his Sharks debut on April 15, 2024, in a challenging 9-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. Following the conclusion of that season, he re-signed to a one-year contract with the Sharks, securing his place with the organization heading into the 2024-25 campaign. Thompson continues to develop his game with the San Jose Barracuda in the AHL while remaining under contract to the NHL club.
Defensive Style and Strengths
Jack Thompson plays the defenseman position and shoots right-handed, which provides him with value as a right-shot blue-liner. His experience in both the Ontario Hockey League and Sweden’s professional leagues helped him develop into a reliable two-way defender capable of contributing offensively while maintaining defensive responsibility. His professional tenure has been focused on continued growth and earning a permanent spot at the NHL level.
Notable Milestones
Thompson reached several significant career milestones during his progression. His NHL debut with the Lightning on January 6, 2024, represented his first taste of the world’s top hockey league. The trade to San Jose in March 2024 marked a new chapter in his career, providing him with the opportunity to establish himself within the Sharks organization. Re-signing with the team demonstrated the organization’s confidence in his potential as he continues his development path.
Jack Thompson Career Statistics
Thompson has accumulated professional experience across both the AHL and NHL levels since turning professional in 2020. His career includes significant junior hockey experience in the OHL before transitioning to the professional ranks in North America and a stint in Sweden.
Junior and International Highlights
Prior to turning professional, Thompson played 115 career games with the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League, establishing himself as a reliable defenseman at the junior level. His strong play led to his selection in the NHL Draft and ultimately his path to professional hockey.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Jack Thompson remains a developing prospect within the San Jose Sharks organization. After joining the team midway through the 2023-24 campaign, he spent the remainder of the season adjusting to his new team and making his NHL debut. The 2025 season represents an opportunity for Thompson to build upon that foundation and work toward securing a more permanent role with the big club.
With the San Jose Barracuda, Thompson continues to refine his defensive play and gain valuable ice time in all situations. The Sharks organization values his development and sees him as part of their defensive future. Working alongside the coaching staff and veteran players in the AHL, Thompson is focused on improving his consistency and earning consideration for increased NHL responsibilities as the season progresses.