Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson came out of nowhere with a breakout season two years ago. Drafted in the first round, 26th overall, Thompson was never a highly touted prospect. Now, after following his breakout 2021 season with an even better 2022, Thompson is in conversation for one of the best young stars in the league.
Following his breakout season wherein he potted 38 goals and 68 points, last season Thompson accelerated to 47 goals and 94 points in 78 games, as he helped the Sabres reach 40+ wins for the first time in 12 years.
Now heading into this upcoming season, Tage Thompson has set high expectations for himself, telling The Athletic's Michael Russo at the NHL Player Media Tour in Vegas that he wants to hit the lauded 50-goal total.
Given the rate Thompson has developed over the last couple of years, becoming a feared top-line forward in the NHL, there's little doubt that he could continue his acceleration to stardom and hit the 50-goal mark for the first time this season.
It's unclear yet who Thompson will be playing with in Buffalo at the start of this season, perhaps Jeff Skinner and Alex Tuch. Regardless of his line mates, Thompson certainly get ample opportunity playing on the first line and the first powerplay unit, which will set him up for as much success as he can sustain.
