Tage Thompson is putting together another terrific NHL season for the Buffalo Sabres, highlighted by 59 points (30 goals and 29 assists) in 57 appearances, but his per-shift efficiency will need to improve if he's going to help Team USA win a gold medal in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Thompson is accustomed to receiving first-line minutes for the Sabres along with being the focal point of the team's top power-play unit. It allows him ample opportunities to create offense, which is typically enough to overcome his defensive deficiencies and turnover problems.
That likely won't be the case at the Milano Cortina Games. Based on U.S. practices, the 28-year-old Arizona native is initially slated to occupy third-line role alongside the Detroit Red Wings' Dylan Larkin and Winnipeg Jets' Kyle Connor, per Michael Russo of The Athletic.
Not only does that equate to less 5-on-5 minutes, but it leaves uncertainty about how involved Thompson will be with the man advantage. Mike Cranwell of The Fourth Period isn't sure that's going to put the Buffalo cornerstone in a position to succeed.
"Tage Thompson is a flier here. They didn't bring him for his defense or all the giveaways, so you have to play him in a spot where he's set up for success," Cranwell wrote. "Offensively, he reminds me a fair bit of [Auston] Matthews, so pairing them up would either lead to two guys who organically connect and make beautiful hockey together, or an absolute mess of a line that doesn't make it to the 2nd game."
As it stands, Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs) is slated to join Jake Guentzel (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Matt Boldy (Minnesota Wild) as part of the Americans' top-six forward group.
Buffalo Sabres' Tage Thompson could be heading for a low-minute role for the United States Olympic Team
It's been a long time since Thompson, a 2016 first-round draft pick of the St. Louis Blues who blossomed after his arrival to Buffalo, has been asked to play a complementary role.
Even at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he delivered the Gold Medal-winning overtime goal for the U.S. against Switzerland in the tournament final, he played significant minutes. He thrived in the event with nine points (six goals and three helpers) in 10 contests.
Team USA's Olympic squad is filled with superstars, however, and the American coaching staff isn't going to lean heavily on Thompson's line to handle defensive situations. It creates an environment where receive less shifts, though most should be neutral- or offensive-zone starts.
On the flip side, a lot of the 6-foot-6 power forward's turnover issues stem from the fact he's expected to carry the puck an inordinate amount to help Buffalo generate offense. That burden should be lessened while playing alongside Larkin.
Although there will surely be some line juggling throughout the Games, it feels like Thompson's trio will open as the offensive spark. If the U.S. is trailing, they'll see the ice more. If the team is defending a third-period lead, they'll see the ice less.
That doesn't mean the Sabres star won't make a noticeable impact, but his path to taking over games like he does for Buffalo will be far more narrow.
It'll put pressure on Thompson to maximize his minutes by playing a more direct style of hockey with an extreme focus on turning the puck over at a much lower rate.
If he can do that, the University of Connecticut product should have an opportunity to earn a more important role in time for the knockout rounds.