Olympic gold medalist Tage Thompson’s NHL career has only improved since the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Buffalo Sabres center Thompson and defenseman Rasmus Dahlin were chosen to represent their respective countries in the Milano-Cortina Olympics. Thompson played for Team USA, and Dahlin played for Team Sweden.
Focusing on Thompson, he played in six games during the 2026 Winter Olympics. He had three goals and one assist. He played in the second period of the semifinal game against Slovakia but missed the third period. This was due to a lower-body injury and precaution.
However, Thompson played in the gold medal game in which Team USA defeated Team Canada.
Thompson joined the Sabres after the Olympic break and was prepared right out of the gate. He also spoke to the media about his experience. He emphasized that the reason why Team USA was able to connect so well was because of the time they spent together off the ice.
Thompson talked about how participating in the Olympics is something every athlete dreams of and how he was honored to represent his country in such a way.
“We love the country,” Thompson said. “Anytime you put on that jersey, it’s the best thing in the world representing your country and playing for the men and women who fought for your country.”
Thompson also talked about the transition coming back from the occasion to his regular NHL season. During the interview, a question implied the controversy between Team USA’s men’s and women’s hockey teams. Thompson reiterated his pride in the United States.
“Unfortunately, in today’s world, everyone has their own opinions, and I think that’s what makes this country so great, is that we can all have different opinions and live our lives and be different,” Thompson said.
Thompson was able to ride the wave that went along with a gold medal win. Thompson reiterated to the media his great Olympic experience, but remembered the goals the Sabres had and jumped into that mentality upon returning.
Balancing that Olympic victory and the Sabres’ goals worked for Thompson. The Sabres defeated the New Jersey Devils in their first game back from the break.
Thompson continued to tack on points to his stats. He has scored four goals and seven assists since being back.
In 2016, Thompson was selected 26th overall in the first round by the St. Louis Blues. It wasn’t until 2018 that the Blues made a trade with the Sabres. He, along with Patrik Berglund and Vladimír Sobotka, was acquired by the Sabres in exchange for Ryan O’Reilly, who was a Sabre at the time.
The Sabres sent Thompson to their farm team, the Rochester Americans. He was tall but lean at the time, so his physicality needed a bit of work, but his slap shot only got better.
Thompson played with the Amerks for two consecutive seasons in 2018-19 and 2019-20. During his time with the farm team, he came into his own and became a reliable top-line center.
From that point moving forward, Thompson has been one of the Sabres’ first liners. This 2025-26 season, he leads the team in goals and is ranked third in assists.
It’s been incredible seeing Thompson grow into his height and build, contributing a strong offensive presence to the Sabres. Seeing him go from being chosen to play for Team USA to winning the gold medal against Team Canada is nothing short of well-deserved.
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