The Buffalo Sabres' season has been nothing short of disappointing, and one of the underlying reasons for that has been the lackluster play of Tage Thompson. He was expected to be one of the team's best players after recording his second 40+ goal season in three years. The move back to center against the Avalanche might be just what Thompson needs to get this season back on track.
The best way to describe Thompson's performance this season might be inconsistent. He would have stretches where he looked unstoppable, like three goals in two games against Toronto, while going through stretches of six or seven games with only one goal.
While not to make excuses, injuries have been a major issue for the team, and Thompson might be the player impacted the most. He entered the season with the expectation of playing alongside Josh Norris and Zach Benson, but due to injuries, this line has yet to play a single minute together.
Buffalo Sabres moved Tage Thompson to center and it is a move the player seems to welcome
For a majority of the season, the Sabres have kept Thompson on the wing and without consistent play up the middle, it might have limited what he can do. In the game against the Avalanche, the Sabres decided to move Tage Thompson to center and have Alex Tuch and Ryan McLeod as his wings.
The line was very productive and in 5v5 they had an xGoals % of 58.4% and seven shots on goal attempts while on ice, according to MoneyPuck. That is the same total that matched every other line combined in the game against the Avalanche.
As for Thompson specifically, he looked much better with an assist in 5v5 situations and even added a power play goal. He also made a positive impact in the face-off circle, which has been an issue for Buffalo, and finished the game with a face-off percentage of 64.7%.
After the game, Brian Koziol of WGR550 tweeted that Thompson said about the move that he liked it and felt more involved.
Thompson said being back at center tonight was better for him, says he can be more involved in the play, feels he's feet are moving and felt much better being there. #Sabres
— Brian Koziol (@BrianWGR) November 14, 2025
The position is not new to Thompson and he has had some of his best seasons at center. This fact, combined with the injuries they are dealing with up the middle, makes this a perfect move and one they need to keep for the foreseeable future.
It remains to be seen when Josh Norris or Jiri Kulich is able to return but until they are available, Thompson needs to remain at center. It is clear the player was happy being back there and that line looked much better against the Colorado Avalanche than they did against Utah the night before.