Several Buffalo Sabres are set to represent their home countries at the upcoming Winter Olympic Games. The most talked about of the group has been Rasmus Dahlin, as he's set to be a key member of Team Sweden. However, Dahlin is not the only Sabre whose home country will need a big performance from. Forward Tage Thompson is set to make his Olympic debut for Team USA.
Thompson earned his spot on Team USA thanks to a strong 2025-26 season. In 44 games this season, he has racked up 22 goals and 20 assists for 42 points. His goals and points total currently lead the Sabres. Because of this, Thompson is expected to provide Team USA's bottom six with some offense. But his role could become much bigger as we get closer to the start of the Games. But what might Team USA ask him to do?
Tage Thompson can provide the offensive depth Team USA needs
While this is Thompson's first time competing at the Olympics, it is not his first time competing internationally. He has competed in three hockey World Championships since entering the NHL, racking up eight goals and nine assists for 17 points in 28 games. He was also an assistant captain at the most recent tournament, which resulted in an American gold medal. Although he was not named to Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off, he was called upon for depth in the final against Canada.
As mentioned before, the expectation is for Thompson to be in Team USA's bottom six, most likely as a third-line winger. He may see some games when he's moved up to the second, based on matchups and the health of other players. Regardless of which line he's on, he should be the playmaker who helps set up the line to score. He can also use his 6'6" frame to provide some big hits and bring some physicality that the U.S. is famous for.
There are also a lot of questions in America's forward group. How is Matthew Tkachuk going to play after coming back from injury? Will Auston Matthews find the consistency he's been missing? These are crucial pieces to Team USA. Players who helped America get to the 4 Nations Finals last season and were projected to be big contributors to the Olympic roster. If they can not play up to their level, then the Americans will need someone to step up.
This is where Thompson can show his worth to the team. He can pick up where these players come up short. He's had no problem generating offense this season, and his advanced metrics show it. According to Natural Stat Trick, he has 50.00 CF%, a 52.16 SCF%, and a 52.41 xG%. He can also score from anywhere on the ice as he ranks in the 94th percentile or better in all three zones, according to NHL Edge. If he can do this at the Olympics, Team USA will have no problems regardless of how their superstars play.
After he was left off the 4 Nations roster, Thompson has wanted to show that this decision was a mistake. A big Olympic performance, where he can fill in for some of the team's shortcomings, would prove it.