Buffalo Sabres: 4 key offseason priorities for Kevyn Adams – 2022

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 12: Tage Thompson #72 of the Buffalo Sabres waits for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Sabres defeated the Maple Leafs 5-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 12: Tage Thompson #72 of the Buffalo Sabres waits for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Sabres defeated the Maple Leafs 5-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
2 of 4
Buffalo Sabres
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 01: Sean Kuraly #52 of the Boston Bruins reaches for the puck ahead of Tage Thompson #72 of the Buffalo Sabres during the second period at TD Garden on May 01, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Negotiate an extension with Tage Thompson

Thompson has one more season left on his contract before he becomes a restricted free agent (RFA) in 2023. If Adams is smart, he will negotiate a new deal this summer that will keep the franchise cornerstone in Buffalo for at least another half-decade.

The formerly star-crossed center looked like an afterthought this time last season. No one had high expectations for Thompson, and he was barely a blip on season previews. Then came the 68-point season. His 38 goals ranked 19th in the NHL and 68 points placed him at 54th in the league.

Thompson will be 25 when the season begins in October. And the Buffalo Sabres have plenty of cap space to ensure he remains in town on a lucrative deal. Expect Adams to at least progress in contract talks, even if he and Thompson do not reach an agreement this summer.