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Buffalo Sabres: Reacting to Tage Thompson’s contract extension

ByZach Jezioro|
Feb 15, 2022; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Tage Thompson (72) celebrates after scoring a goal against the New York Islanders during the second period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2022; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Tage Thompson (72) celebrates after scoring a goal against the New York Islanders during the second period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Sabres gave Tage Thompson a huge contract extension. So how much risk did the move carry? Here is an assessment.

As everyone is aware, the Buffalo Sabres paid Tage Thompson big time. After scoring 38 goals last year, the Sabres gave Tage a seven-year, $50 million contract extension.

With that being said, did the Sabres overpay for Tage? After all, last season was the first one where he looked like a superstar. Looking at his stats according to Hockey-Reference, Tage scored seven goals in 2018-2019, eight in 2020-2021, then exploded in 2021-2022.

This contract sparked a debate and you can see why. The most commonly asked question is why are you paying a player that much money after one great season? Sabres fans are no strangers to bad contracts. Guys like Christian Ehrhoff, Ville Leino and recently Jeff Skinner.

Will Tage Thompson’s contract end up like those that haunt the Buffalo Sabres past, or will he remain the scorer he was in 2021-22?

I know Skinner bounced back in a big way last year but the point is this team has signed players to big contracts and they have performed terribly. To be honest with you, I think this is a great deal and could be a steal if Tage Thompson builds off of last season and is consistent.

Why do I think it won’t be a problem? Ever since Don Granato took over, Tage looks like a complete different player from previous seasons. After Granato got the coaching job in March 2021, Tage was one of Buffalo’s best players at the end of the season.

Last year, he was without a doubt the Sabres MVP. Watching him, he did not look like the slow paced player we once saw. His shot was insane and his speed for a big player like him was pretty impressive. Lastly, his puck handling was incredible as well.

So no, I don’t think this is a bad contract. I can see why people think it’s a bad one but after what we have seen from Tage, he deserves it. And he’ll continue to be a stud for many years to come.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)

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