BUFFALO, N.Y. - Tage Thompson has always been one of the biggest kids on the ice. Despite a late birthday (October 30), Thompson enjoyed a consistent size advantage against other skaters, amplified by a growth spurt after his 17th birthday. 

"I think that whole season was kind of awkward," says Thompson, who shot up four inches before turning 18. "Getting my feet under me and getting used to my new body. Growing so much throughout the course of the season and then going into UConn the next year. I was like 6'4. That was when I noticed I had a height advantage over most of the guys."

Thompson tacked on one more inch to put him at 6'5", making him the tallest Sabre and one of the tallest players in the NHL. Thompson's height was one reason the St. Louis Blues took him in the first round, 26th overall in 2016. 

"I think I'm still working on it. Trying to fill out my frame and add a few pounds," he says. "Constantly working on getting stronger. If I keep working on that, I'll be able to hold off guys in corners and protect the puck better." 

The 20-year-old was one of five pieces to leave St. Louis after the Ryan O'Reilly trade. Thompson made headlines soon after when he told Buffalo reporters he felt "pigenholed" by his role with the Blues, a veteran-heavy team that afforded him fewer than 12 minutes of ice-time per game. While Thompson says "there's no bad blood" between himself and his former organization, he's happy to have a better opportunity in his third professional season.

"I'm really excited," he says. "I think I'm an offensive guy. I like to create offense. Make plays out there and get my shot off when I can. I think I'm going to have a great opportunity to do those things here. Buffalo's a young team, and I'm excited to hopefully fight for a spot in the top-six."