The Lightning avoided arbitration with center Nate Thompson today, re-signing him to a one-year contract, Vice President and GM Steve Yzerman announced this afternoon. The restricted free agent had been scheduled for an arbitration hearing on July 22. "We are pleased to get Nate signed to his contract today, thereby avoiding the arbitration process," said Yzerman upon making the announcement. "He will add depth up front for us and getting the contract signing behind him allows Nate to focus on conditioning and preparations for training camp. We are happy to have him back." Thompson played in 32 games with the Lightning last season after being claimed off waivers from the Islanders on January 21, 2010, recording a goal and four points. He also stood out in the face-off circle, winning 219 of 385 draws taken (56.9 percent). Before joining the Lightning, Thompson had registered a goal and six points with 39 games with New York. Between Tampa Bay and New York he set career highs for assists with eight, points with 10 and tied his career high with two goals.