Philadelphia Flyers Acquire Centers Nate Thompson, Derek Grant Ahead Of NHL Trade Deadline

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia Flyers made a couple of moves before the NHL trade deadline. The orange and black bolstered their forward depth with the acquisitions of two centers.

The Flyers acquired 35-year-old center Nate Thompson from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a fifth round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.

They also sent forward Kyle Criscuolo and a fourth-round 2020 pick to the Anaheim Ducks for center Derek Grant. In parts of seven NHL seasons, Grant has tallied 30 goals and 35 points.

Grant has posted a career-high 14 goals this season.

Thompson has 14 points -- four goals and 10 assists -- in 63 games this season. In parts of 13 NHL seasons, Thompson has accumulated 62 goals and 93 assists in 760 games.

"We like our team. Our players have earned the right not only to have some additions at the trade deadline but also, for the most part, to keep their roles," general manager Chuck Fletcher said. "We weren't looking to overhaul our team, we weren't looking to make dramatic changes."

Thompson is also playoff tested, playing in 62 postseason games.

Thompson is in the final year of his contract with an average annual value of $1 million.

Both Grant and Thompson are expected to play Tuesday night vs. the San Jose Sharks.

In a corresponding move, the Flyers loaned forwards Connor Bunnaman and Joel Farabee to the Phantoms.

CBS3's Lesley Van Arsdall contributed to this report.

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