The 2024-25 Buffalo Sabres were back at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a 36-39-7 record. Finishing seventh in the Division, this is the 14th consecutive time they could not make it into the Stanley Playoffs, the longest active drought in the NHL. It is the second-longest in all four major U.S. sports, behind the New York Jets of the NFL.
Tage Thompson's continued success is one bright spot from this abysmal season. The 27-year-old centerman led the team with 44 goals and 28 assists for 72 points. This is the second 40+ goal performance of his young career, and this season mirrored much of his true breakout season in 2022-23.
The true sniper
This player is starting to get some recognition for his superior shooting ability. Some may even compare him to Alex Ovechkin, who broke an unbreakable record, hitting 895 goals and surpassing Wayne Gretzky. Thompson will have to step up his single-season goal record by another 10-20 more than he has been, but it is entirely possible after watching him play.
The Sabres have a solid foundation in Thompson, especially his ability to take a step forward in even-strength play. He scored 37 of 44 goals this season at 5-on-5, seven fewer than in the last two seasons combined. That is a great sign.
Leveling up?
Can Thompson find another gear? He is, without a shadow of a doubt, the best player on this Sabres roster, but he has to level himself beyond his current capabilities to give this team a chance to enter the competitive field. All good and bad come from the stick of no. 72.
This offseason, the draft pick they can acquire from the NHL draft lottery will dictate a lot. Thompson is locked into his current deal worth $7.142 million, and the Sabres have some extra cash to try and grab a free agent or two to round out the roster. However, with the youngest team in the NHL, it is only a matter of time before these young kids become great players.
If and when that happens, Thompson will be in his prime years. This could align perfectly with his ascension into the NHL's elite tier.