Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson was a member of the gold medal-winning United States Men’s Hockey team in Milano-Cortina.
The tournament which closed on Sunday, is the latest chapter in the ascension of Thompson as an elite National Hockey League player. The 28-year-old native of Phoenix, Arizona, finished with three goals in six games played and was a key component of the top power play unit for the US. Squad.
Thompson’s status as a top performer has been building. In addition to his Olympic accomplishment, He delivered the tournament overtime winning goal in the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship. As for his NHL club, he has been a top scorer for the Sabres, with thirty goals for Buffalo so far this season.
Thompson was acquired by the Sabres in a trade with the St. Louis Blues on July 1st 2018. He was the key piece coming to Buffalo in exchange for forward Ryan O’Reilly. It took time for Thompson to find his game in the National Hockey League, and much attention was paid to the young player as the Sabres compensation for the versatile O’Reilly.
Thompson Will Be Key For Sabres Playoff Push
After a slow start to his tenure in Buffalo, his breakout season came in 2021-22 when he tallied thirty-eight goals and then built on the total the next year with a career high forty-seven goals. When NHL play resumes on Wednesday, Thompson’s focus will return to the Sabres, who are entrenched in a tightly contested Eastern Conference playoff race.
Buffalo is trying to halt a 14-year playoff absence and reach the postseason for the first time since 2011. Although the Sabres currently hold a wildcard berth in the standings, the path to the finish line will not be an easy one. With 25 games remaining in the campaign, adding points will be crucial.
Now begins a stretch run that will see the Sabres face many clubs with the same agenda: reaching the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Sabres will need Thompson to continue to be at the top of his game as the postseason push ramps up.
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