Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson has had a season to remember after 36 contests. And now, he’s going to the 2023 NHL All-Star Game.
It is no secret that Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson has been one of the best players in the NHL this season. Once looked at as an afterthought, Tage has since come on strong and put together one of the best seasons in recent memory, scoring 30 goals and 25 assists (55 points) after just 36 contests.
And now, that work has paid off, as he will be playing in his first NHL All-Star Game next month in Sunrise, Florida. This time last year, Tage was just starting to break out, but Rasmus Dahlin got the nod to represent the Blue and Gold. Here in January 2023, Tage has made full circle, and no one on this team deserves it more.
Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson has risen from the NHL’s doldrums
When you look at Tage’s earlier seasons, it shows that you never want to judge a player’s career by their first few seasons. Two years ago, Tage was a perennial bust in this league, and many saw him as a fringe fourth liner at best.
Fast forward to 2023, and you have a player who signed a lucrative contract whose play is currently backing up every penny of said contract. It’s a remarkable turnaround that anybody, Buffalo sports fan or not, can look at and find inspiration.
Overall, Tage has a laundry list of important statistics where he resides in the top 10 and in many cases, the top 5. There has been talk both in and out of Sabres networks that he could be in contention for the Hart Trophy this season, thanks not only to his performance, but the Sabres overall improvement on the ice.
It should also surprise nobody if Tage even finds a spot as a First or Second-Team NHL All-Star if he keeps up his legendary pace. Until then, expect to see him scoring a lot as the Sabres will seek to end their playoff drought.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)
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