Tage Thompson scored the game-winning overtime goal as Team USA defeated Switzerland to win the 2025 IIHF World Championship gold medal in May. The superstar forward arrived to Buffalo Sabres training camp eager to build off that memorable moment.
Thompson, a two-time 40-goal scorer in the NHL, admitted trying to make the United States roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics was a significant motivating factor heading into the 2025-26 season.
Now, the 28-year-old Arizona native is watching that dream slowly fade away as another Sabres season collapses before Christmas. His lack of contributions, especially in recent games, is a major reason Buffalo has slid to last place in the Eastern Conference.