As of 20 February 2026, Buffalo Sabres star Tage Thompson is currently in Milan, Italy, representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The 6-foot-6 centre has become a focal point of the American gold-medal pursuit, recently making headlines for his performance in the knockout stages.
Olympic Performance and “Golden” Contributions
Thompson has been a vital asset for Team USA during the Milano Cortina games. On 18 February 2026, Thompson faced off against his Sabres teammate and captain, Rasmus Dahlin, in a high-stakes quarter-final match. The United States emerged victorious with a 2-1 overtime win, effectively ending Sweden’s Olympic run and advancing the Americans to the semi-finals.
While some analysts and fans have called for Thompson to receive even more ice time, his impact on special teams has been undeniable. Coaches have utilised his massive frame as a dangerous net-front presence on the power play, a shift from his usual “left flank” trigger-man role in Buffalo. This tactical adjustment has paid dividends, with Thompson recording 59 points (30 goals, 29 assists) in 57 NHL games leading up to the Olympic break.
NHL Season and Sabres Outlook
Before departing for Italy, Thompson was enjoying a resurgent 2025-26 campaign, leading the Buffalo Sabres in scoring. His 30 goals currently rank him tied for 8th in the NHL, re-establishing him as one of the league’s premier offensive threats after a slight dip in production during the 2023-24 season.
The Sabres returned to practice this week in Buffalo to prepare for the post-Olympic playoff push, though Thompson and Dahlin remain absent due to their international commitments. Head coach Lindy Ruff noted that the team is monitoring their stars closely as they compete on the world stage. Upon his return, the Sabres are expected to integrate some of the power-play looks Team USA has used to further “unleash” Thompson’s scoring potential.
Career Statistics (As of 20 February 2026)
| Season | Team | Games | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 (Ongoing) | Buffalo Sabres | 57 | 30 | 29 | 59 |
| Career Totals | STL / BUF | 505 | 206 | 178 | 384 |
Personal and Off-Ice News
The Olympic experience has been a family affair for the Thompsons. Brent Thompson, Tage’s father and an assistant coach for the Hershey Bears, was recently granted a temporary leave of absence to travel to Italy to watch his son compete for gold. Thompson has frequently cited his upbringing and early hockey memories, including time spent in Alaska, as foundational to his current success on the international stage.