Thompson Playing At Worlds In Hopes Of Making Good Impression

In recent seasons, several members of the Buffalo Sabres have travelled to Europe to play for their country in the IIHF World Championships. This spring, the 2024-25 version of the Sabres has only one player playing for their country: Tage Thompson for Team USA.

The 27-year-old was added as an injury replacement for Team USA at the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off in February. With 44 goals this season, Thompson has re-entered the discussion for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy, and that was a big factor in why he is playing at the Worlds, as one of the older, more experienced veterans.

“I think that'll be just another good stepping stone to try to continue to build off of a decent year and continue to grow that confidence and round out my game," Thompson said. "Anytime you throw on that USA jersey, it's a huge honor, so to be able to go over there and compete for something will be exciting."

In his first game on Friday, Thompson had an assist in a 5-0 win over host Denmark in Herning.

Other Sabres who either participated in the Four Nations or play internationally for their countries chose not to play this time around. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is likely in the mix for one of the top three goalie spots for Finland for Milano. Some could not play because of injury (Sabres team captain Rasmus Dahlin begged off playing at home after missing time during the season and playing for Sweden at the Four Nations).

Others did not go due to family considerations (Alex Tuch told the media at locker cleanout that he was staying close to home because his wife is expecting their second child), and some because of their contract status (J-J Peterka has been a constant presence for Team Germany, but is a restricted free agent this summer), but it is expected that they along with Jiri Kulich and a few others may be heading to Italy during the Olympic break next February.