“You’re getting chances, it means you’re doing things right. I think now it’s just we got to capitalize on them. And … my job is to score goals. I feel like I’ve had chances and haven’t capitalized on a lot of them that I’ve had. So, got to find ways to bear down and find the back of the net.”
— Tage Thompson, Buffalo Sabres Forward
Tage Thompson’s dream of representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan is quickly slipping through his fingers, as the Buffalo Sabres’ season takes a nosedive before Christmas. Coming off a stellar performance at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he scored the game-winning overtime goal to lead Team USA to gold, Thompson entered the 2025-26 NHL season with high hopes. But after a slow start, his Olympic aspirations are in serious jeopardy.
With just 12 points (six goals and six assists) in 16 games, Thompson’s production has been underwhelming. His minus-seven rating is the third-worst on the team, and his 45.6 expected goals for percentage (xGF%) at 5-on-5 ranks just 14th out of 18 Sabres forwards, according to Natural Stat Trick. Despite the opportunities, Thompson has struggled to capitalize on his chances.
A Slow Start and Rising Pressure
“There’s no time to waste,” Thompson said, addressing his inability to finish on his chances. “You’re getting chances, it means you’re doing things right. I think now it’s just we got to capitalize on them. And … my job is to score goals. I feel like I’ve had chances and haven’t capitalized on a lot of them that I’ve had. So, got to find ways to bear down and find the back of the net.”
As Team USA’s Olympic roster begins to take shape, Thompson is facing stiff competition, and his recent form isn’t helping his case. After leading Team USA to a gold medal at the World Championship earlier in the year, Thompson’s performance this season has been a stark contrast. His signature blend of size (6’6″), speed, and skill has looked sluggish, and there have been times when he seemed disengaged from the game.
With the U.S. roster spot on the line, Thompson’s lack of production and inconsistent play are not what Olympic selectors want to see. In a tournament as short and high-stakes as the Olympics, one missed opportunity or lack of drive could determine a team’s fate.
Buffalo’s Struggles and Thompson’s Missed Chances
The Sabres’ current 5-7-4 record, placing them in last place in the Eastern Conference, has only compounded Thompson’s struggles. While goaltending has been a surprise strength for the Sabres, their star players—Thompson included—have failed to rise to the occasion. As a result, Thompson’s individual performance has been heavily scrutinized.
It’s difficult to ignore the impact of the Sabres’ losing culture on a player like Thompson. Many players have left Buffalo during the franchise’s active 14-year playoff drought and immediately found success elsewhere, like Jack Eichel in Vegas and Sam Reinhart in Florida. Yet, despite the team’s issues, Thompson can still control his compete level and impact the game.
However, it’s been rare for Thompson to look as disengaged as he has at times this season. Perhaps the pressure of his Olympic aspirations is beginning to weigh on him, or perhaps the constant losing has begun to take its toll. But whatever the cause, the Sabres need Thompson to step up and lead if they are to turn things around.
The Case for Thompson’s Olympic Spot
At his best, Thompson is a game-changer. His ability to create offense out of nothing, as demonstrated in his World Championship performances, shows his potential. His size and versatility—able to play both center and wing—also make him a valuable asset to Team USA. But for Thompson to secure a spot on the Olympic roster, he must find his scoring touch and begin playing to his full potential.
The clock is ticking for Thompson, both with the Sabres and in his pursuit of Olympic glory. The competition for spots on Team USA is fierce, and his slow start this season puts his Olympic dreams in serious jeopardy. If he doesn’t turn things around quickly, he may miss the opportunity to represent his country on the world’s biggest stage.
The next few months will be crucial for Thompson. If he can start lighting the lamp again and help the Sabres become more competitive, he still has a chance to make Team USA. But as of now, the dream he once had of playing in Milan is fading fast.
“We’ve got to be better, plain and simple. There’s no excuse for where we are right now. We need to hold ourselves accountable and make the necessary changes, because this isn’t acceptable.”
— Alex Tuch, Buffalo Sabres Forward
Buffalo Sabres fans, brace yourselves: change is coming. After yet another brutal defeat — a 5-2 loss to Utah followed by a 6-2 drubbing by the Colorado Avalanche — it’s clear that this team is nowhere near the contender they were supposed to be this season. And for fans who’ve waited 14 years for a playoff spot, the latest string of losses is a hard pill to swallow. With Buffalo’s record now at a dismal
Sabres in Crisis Mode: A Season on the Brink
The loss to the Avalanche capped off a disastrous five-game losing streak, with
The truth is, the Sabres have been in this situation for far too long. The fans are fed up, and even the players are starting to admit what’s been painfully obvious:
The End of the Line for Adams and Ruff?
At this point, there is no denying that accountability must fall on both
As Tuch stated, “There’s no excuse for where we are right now.” The Sabres have been left behind in a rapidly advancing NHL, and with another playoff-less season on the horizon, it’s time for ownership to act.
The Roster Shake-Up: Who’s Safe and Who’s Not?
But it’s not just the front office and coaching staff that needs to change. With this current Sabres team showing no signs of getting it together, nearly
The Sabres need to shed their past — and that means moving out players who aren’t contributing to the rebuild. It’s a painful reality, but every player needs to be held accountable
for this team’s continued failure. It’s no longer about potential or promises — it’s about delivering results, and if you’re not part of the solution, you’ll be part of the problem.
Buffalo’s Road to Redemption: How to Fix the Sabres?
So, what now for Buffalo? The road to redemption starts with tough decisions. Kevyn Adams will need to make bold moves to reshape the roster, bringing in fresh talent to bolster the lineup. The Sabres’ defense needs a complete overhaul, and the goaltending situation is looking more desperate by the day. The team can no longer afford to let mediocrity slip by — it’s time to build a
This won’t be an easy fix, but with the right moves, Buffalo could finally start to dig itself out of this hole. The fans deserve a competitive team, and the Sabres owe it to themselves to deliver.
Can the Sabres Turn It Around?
There’s no sugar-coating it — the Sabres’ current path is not sustainable. Another year of misery for Buffalo fans will simply not do. As the Sabres face the harsh reality of their worst season in recent memory, one thing is clear:
The time for change is now — and for the first time in years, it feels like the Sabres have no choice but to start fresh.