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Has Tage Thompson been the Buffalo Sabres most disappointing player through the All-Star Break?

The Buffalo Sabres have seen a few disappointments this season, but Tage Thompson may be the most disappointing as the All-Star Break approaches.

By Sion Fawkes

Jan 24, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Tage Thompson (72) is defended
Jan 24, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Tage Thompson (72) is defended / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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Last season, Tage Thompson was the Buffalo Sabres rep for the 2023 All-Star Game, but an injury forced him out of action and allowed Rasmus Dahlin to play in the event. Tage was stellar last year, and he ended up with 94 points and 47 goals, potentially setting the stage for a 100-point season for 2023-24. 

While Tage missed the cut in my “duds” category earlier in the month, that piece was also written when it looked like the 26-year-old was turning a corner, having scored six points and three goals in his previous five contests. But that has since dissipated, and Tage has recorded just two goals in the seven games since, with both of those goals coming in the same contest. 

Should Tage have been more productive this season, maybe the Sabres would at least find themselves closer to a wild card. Such productivity would have elevated the entire team as a player of his caliber is capable of doing. But Tage’s so-so results heading into the All-Star Break have been a major factor in putting this group well behind the hottest wild card contenders. 

Tage Thompson has been the most disappointing Buffalo Sabres player

Few players in the NHL have disappointed more than Tage Thompson this season, and even if his numbers aren’t terrible with 28 points and 14 goals in 38 contests, he’s taken a major step back from his 94-point outing last season. Right now, Tage is on pace for just 53 points and while we have seen flashes of his brilliance this season, he hasn’t been consistent.

Sure, Tage has struggled through injuries this year, and there is also the fact his primary linemates Alex Tuch and Jeff Skinner have found themselves banged up multiple times. But it still doesn’t give Tage the free pass, as he’s supposed to have reached the status where he’s carrying the team when things aren’t ideal and that hasn’t happened. 

Even more disheartening is the fact he has one measly point, an assist, in his previous six contests. Just think of how much better the Buffalo Sabres would be offensively if Tage could just find his groove, but until then, they need to look at other options if they plan on scoring.

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(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)

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