Nate Thompson (shoulder) was able to take contact Monday but isn't ready to return to game action, Curtis Zupke of NHL.com reports.

Thompson (shoulder) was able to take contact Monday but isn't ready to return to game action, Curtis Zupke of NHL.com reports.

Analysis:

Thompson has yet to play this season after undergoing shoulder surgery in June, but it appears that he's getting closer to a return. There's still no exact timetable though, and the forward will likely need to be a full participant in several practices before being deemed game-ready.