Sabres: What can we expect from Tage Thompson in 2021?

After only playing in one game last season, what can the Sabres expect to get from Tage Thompson in 2021?

We all remember the trade that sent Ryan O’Reilly to St. Louis and the Sabres acquired a handful of picks and players in return. And now we see Ryan O’Reilly as a Stanley Cup Champion and an extremely valuable piece for the St. Louis Blues. But what about the Buffalo Sabres pieces they got in return? Who is ready to make an impact out of that group? It looks like that responsibility will fall on Tage Thompson.

Tage Thompson has played 66 games as a member of the Buffalo Sabres and has seven goals and five assists in that time. Tage only played one of those 66 games last season, as he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in his first game last season. So it has been a while since we have seen him play in a game. And I expect him to be a quality piece of the Sabres this season.

Thompson has looked fully healthy and ready to go during camp so far. He had a great first team scrimmage with plenty of quality scoring chances and defensive plays. He has shown that he is ready to make a difference on this team once the regular season starts.

When camp started I expected Thompson to start the season as a third-line forward. But if he continues to impress during camp, I can really see him starting the season on the second-line. He brings in some much needed physical forward play for Buffalo.

Thompson is not someone who is going to light up the scoreboard with huge amounts of goals and assists, but he has the potential to play a huge role with the Sabres this season. And at only 23-years-old, he has plenty of time to develop.

I know that Sabres fans haven’t been pleased with how the O’Reilly trade has worked out for Buffalo, and rightfully so. But Thompson could be the bright spot for the Sabres that stems from that trade.