Sabres Need Tage Thompson to Be Their Best Player Again – The Hockey Writers – Buffalo Sabres

With the 2024-25 NHL season looming ever closer, the Buffalo Sabres should be taking stock of their talent and really assessing what it is they expect out of each player. Realistic expectations are always a good thing to have, but after yet another season of underperforming, there needs to be a lot more shown from a few of them.

One in particular is Tage Thompson, as in 2022-23 he emerged as one of the league’s most dangerous goal-scoring threats, and showed that he was more than just a big body with a big shot. He had the speed, the hands, and tenacity, and the makings of a star and the only thing that could stop him was himself. Sadly, in 2023-24 he was mired with some lingering injury issues, and stuck with a mediocre coaching system that did not help, but at the end of the day, he was still the same player that had the capacity for much more. This season, he has to be much more.

Thompson’s Leadership Is Paramount

Seeing Thompson as a dominant player on the ice is one thing, but being a leader is another huge factor in what makes him such an impactful player for the Sabres. With his skills, he can run a play for sure, but in a group of young players still growing their chemistry together as a whole, he must be one of the biggest voices on the ice. The opposition needs to notice him, his teammates need to notice him, and he cannot be someone just waiting in the shadows to contribute something. To quote something from season two of the famous Hulu show Shoresy, “Find a way to contribute…”; it does not always have to be on the scoresheet every shift, but being a presence on the ice or the bench goes a long way, and Thompson presenting that star caliber aura at all times will make a difference.

Having the focus on him will make his life harder for sure, but it will only make him a better player. He has shown that he can handle some adversity and physicality when need be, so getting into scrums should not be a concern for him. Does newly re-hired coach Lindy Ruff probably want to see his star center out there fighting people all the time? No. But, seeing Thompson physically engaged in every play and being a dominant presence on the ice will only make the team better as a whole.

Thompson’s Return to 40 Goals Is a Must

At a bare minimum, 40 goals should be on Thompson’s radar this season. Last season he managed to muster 29 goals while mostly…