To make space for Brimsek, Thompson was traded to the Detroit Red Wings for Normie Smith and $15,000 on November 16, 1938; Thompson also received a $1,000 bonus from Boston.
Para facerlle espazo a Brimsek, Thompson foi traspasado aos Detroit Red Wings a cambio de Normie Smith e 15.000$; Thompson tamén recibiu un bonus de 1.000$ de Boston.