 After breaking his arm in the 1976–77 season, Thompson missed one half of the season but still managed 21 goals.The offensively talented winger began to see less ice time under defense-oriented coach Roger Neilson and was eventually traded with various draft picks to the Detroit Red Wings for Dan Maloney and a future second round draft pick, on March 13, 1978.With Detroit, Thompson continued to produce, scoring 23 goals his first full season and 34 goals the following season.