Buffalo's 27 year old first-line center has dazzled during his time on the ice this season. Known for his wicked slap shot, Tage Thompson leads the team with 48 points (26G, 22A), despite missing six games this season.
Replacing the usual NHL All-Star Game for the first time this year, the 4 Nations Face-Off will consist of the likes of NHL stars for Team USA, Canada, Sweden, and Finland competing for it all. One of the biggest questions when rosters were initially released was how Thompson was left off of Team USA?
Who made it instead?
Fans are outraged, and certainly have every right to be with names like Vincent Trocheck and Chris Kreider making Team USA over Thompson. Both of the New York Rangers, Trocheck and Kreider have had underwhelming season's to say the least up to this point. Trocheck, who has 37 points and Kreider with 20 points leaves fans wondering if they were chosen simply because of the large market the Rangers bring to the league.
While both have made positive impacts on a Rangers club that has surprisingly had a down year, statistics do not lie. For many, Thompson is more deserving of a spot in numerous aspects and rightfully so.
Understandably, Team USA offers a wide array of talent in the NHL, leaving minimal spots for even the most highly touted players. Due to injuries, some nations have been replacing players in preparation. Most recently, we saw Sabres' Henri Jokiharju being added to Team Finland. There, he will join Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in hopes of winning the tournament versus Rasmus Dahlin and Team Sweden.
The bright side:
Although left off the roster, looking at the bright side, this provides Thompson with a much deserved two week hiatus. Having been dealing with various injuries, Thompson will now receive a break to recover, as he and the Sabres get ready for the remainder of the season.