BUFFALO, N.Y. — Tage Thompson has seen his stock rise dramatically during this year's training camp, and his rapid improvement has launched him onto the Sabres' top line to start the season.

What You Need To Know

  • Tage Thompson will start the season on Jack Eichel's right wing after playing just one NHL game last year
  • Thompson failed to make the NHL roster out of training camp last season, and appeared in one game with the Sabres before hurting his shoulder, requiring surgery, and missing the bulk of the season
  • Thompson has earned rave reviews from his teammates for his conditioning and improvement
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Thompson, who spent most of last season either in the AHL or rehabbing from a shoulder injury, came over to the Sabres in the Ryan O'Reilly trade in summer 2018. His first season was unspectacular (12 points in 65 games), and he failed to make the NHL roster in his second season. A promising start with the Amerks (12 points in 16 games) earned him a call-up in November 2019, but he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in his first game with the Sabres.

"We couldn't quite guess where he might be after more than a year off. He has truly come in ready to grab a higher role," says head coach Ralph Krueger. "He will get that opportunity."

Thompson called the injury a "blessing in disguise," in that it gave him an extended offseason to train. 

"I've obviously put on quite a bit of weight and got a lot stronger," he says. "I think that's due to the long offseason and just getting my body ready."

When the Sabres dealt O'Reilly in 2018, they acquired Thompson, forwards Patrik Berglund and Vladimir Sobotka, a first-round draft pick and a second-round pick. Thompson won't say he was nervous when he initially joined the Sabres, but he admits he's a calmer, more confident player now than he was when he first skated with the Blue and Gold. 

"You know guys better. You're not as nervous around them. I think when you're nervous and a little hesitant, it can affect your game on the ice," he says. "I think just knowing guys now, being a little more comfortable in the locker room, talking to guys, speaking my mind allows me to relax a little bit on the ice now."

The Sabres first line, as currently constructed, includes Thompson, Jack Eichel, and newly-acquired left wing Taylor Hall.