Most people remember Tage Thompson as the guy who scored 50 goals.
But if you actually look at the history books, you might be surprised to learn he was a third-round pick. Oddly enough,
That’s the Tage Thompson story in a nutshell: the one nobody saw coming.
The Low Draft Pick Start
Look, Tage Thompson wasn’t exactly a household name before he hit the NHL.
He went undrafted in 2016, which usually means you’re headed to the ECHL or Europe.
But the Ottawa Senators had other plans, scooping him up in the third round.
Most scouts back then probably thought he was a project, maybe a solid depth forward for the future.
From what I’ve seen in scouting reports from that era, they were right about the potential, but they underestimated the grit.
Thompson wasn’t the flashiest skater, but he had a big frame and a mean streak that the Senators developed. Here’s the interesting part.
He bounced around the AHL for a few years, spending time in Binghamton and Belleville, trying to figure out how to play a full NHL schedule.
It wasn’t until he was traded to Buffalo that the real story started to unfold.
The Buffalo Breakout (2019-2020)
And oh boy, did he break out.
When the Sabres traded Ryan O’Reilly and Marcus Johansson, it looked like they were blowing it up.
They gave Tage a bigger role, and he responded with 34 points in 52 games.
That was the spark.
It proved that he could handle the spotlight and the heavy minutes.
Most people overlook how much of a confidence boost that season was for him.
He wasn’t just filling a roster spot; he was starting to look like a legitimate center.
The 50-Goal Season: A Historical Anomaly
Then came the 2021-22 campaign.
This is the part of the Tage Thompson narrative that people talk about in hockey bars for decades.
He didn’t just have a good year; he went absolutely bonkers.
Scoring 50 goals in a single season is hard enough for superstars.
Doing it for a rebuilding team like the Buffalo Sabres? That’s rare.
It wasn’t just volume; it was the consistency.
Whether it was a big slap shot from the point or a spin-o-rama in the slot, he found a way to beat goalies.
Watching him that year was kind of surreal. And this is where things get interesting.
He seemed to get stronger every time he touched the puck, using his 6’5″ frame to shield the puck and create space for shots.
What Makes Him Special?
So, what’s the deal with Tage? Is he the next Patrick Kane? Probably not. And this is where things get interesting.
But is he a franchise cornerstone? Probably yes.
- Size and Strength: He’s massive.
Most players can’t push him off the puck.
- Two-Way Game: He’s learned to play defense, which makes him valuable in all situations.
- Shooting: He has one of the best releases in the league.
His shot is actually his best asset.
You can watch the tape on and see how he sets up different angles.
He’s not just standing in the crease; he’s driving to the net, creating chaos, and crashing the cage.
That’s the kind of energy a team feeds off.
Contract and Future Outlook
Talking about money is boring, but it’s important.
When he signed that massive extension with the Sabres, it signaled that the team was all-in.
It’s a big risk, sure.
But if Tage stays healthy, that contract is going to look like a steal.
He’s locked up for a long time, which gives Buffalo a stable core to build around.
Most fans are just hoping he can stay consistent.
The injury history is a bit of a worry, right? He’s missed time in the past.
But when he’s on the ice, he changes the dynamic of the game completely.
You can’t ignore that.
And this is where things get interesting.
How to Follow His Journey
If you want to keep up with Tage Thompson, you gotta be watching every game. But there’s a catch.
There’s nothing like seeing a highlight reel live.
You know how it is—sometimes a replay just doesn’t capture the speed.
If you’re looking for gear, checking out the latest collection on is a good move.
It’s the easiest way to support the team while watching the action.
Final Thoughts
Tage Thompson is a testament to patience.
He didn’t make the NHL until he was 24. And this is where things get interesting.
A lot of guys would have given up or moved to Europe by then.
Instead, he kept grinding, got traded to a new team, and absolutely destroyed it.
Is he the best center in the division? Maybe not yet.
But he’s certainly one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the league right now.
We’ll see how the next few seasons play out, but Tage Thompson has definitely earned his spot in Buffalo lore.
Image source: pexels.com
Image source credit: pexels.com