The Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday announced it had signed center Nate Thompson to a two-year contract extension. Terms were not released but it is believed worth $1.8 million; $950,000 in 2011-12 (including a $100,000 signing bonus), and $850,000 in 2012-13.

 Thompson, 26, has seven goals and 17 points in 51 games, but has so bought into coach Guy Boucher's system and so well represents the way the organization wants its players to play, he has been nicknamed Nate Boucher. Thompson would have been a restricted free agent at the end of the season. He is making $625,000 this season.

"With Nate, we feel he exemplifies what we want to do on the ice and off the ice," general manager Steve Yzerman said. "We like his work ethic, we like his attitude and competitiveness."

In other news, goaltender Mike Smith returned to the Lightning after a two-game conditioning stint with AHL Norfolk. Smith, out since Dec. 20 with a sprained left knee, was 0-2-0 with the Admirals with a 2.56 goals-against average and .900 save percentage.