Thompson, 52, brings nearly 20 years of coaching experience, most recently serving as the head coach of the Bridgeport Islanders of the American Hockey League (AHL) the last nine consecutive seasons. He was also the head coach in Bridgeport in 2011-12 (10 total seasons). As the head coach of the New York Islanders' primary development affiliate, he led Bridgeport to a 328-286-73 record in 687 AHL games behind the bench. Last season, Bridgeport went 34-30-8 while he led the club to a division championship in 2011-12. Thompson also served as the New York Islanders' assistant coach in 2012-13 and 2013-14.