Due to unforeseen circumstances and mutual agreement, right winger Tage Thompson leaves the Buffalo Sabres NHL.
The Buffalo Sabres and star right winger Tage Thompson have voluntarily agreed to split ways due to unanticipated circumstances, catching the hockey world off guard. The statement, made early this morning by the Sabres’ front office, concludes a landmark chapter in the franchise’s recent history, one marked by Thompson’s stratospheric rise, unrivaled dedication, and developing leadership presence both on and off the ice.
Tage Thompson, 26, came to the Sabres in 2018 as part of the trade that sent Ryan O’Reilly to the St. Louis Blues. While the deal was received with suspicion at first, Thompson immediately shown his worth via sheer dedication and unrelenting improvement. Over six seasons in Buffalo, he grew from a promising young skater to one of the NHL’s most explosive offensive powers, setting career highs and garnering leaguewide acclaim.
Thompson fully burst out in the 2021-2022 season, scoring 38 goals and cementing his place as a key component of the Sabres’ resurgence. His unique combination of size, quickness, and stickhandling wowed fans night after night. The franchise believed it had discovered not only a terrific forward, but also a leader to help a youthful team return to postseason contention.
However, the team’s official statement today underlined that the decision was made “mutually and respectfully,” and was prompted by “personal and professional matters” that had emerged in recent months. While the particular reasons have not been made public, all sides agreed that the decision was not taken lightly and was done in the best interests of all parties concerned.
“We want to thank Tage for his incredible contributions to the Buffalo Sabres organization,” General Manager Kevyn Adams said in a prepared statement. “He has been a pillar in our locker room and on the ice, representing our team and city with dignity and pride. We wish him the best in his future undertakings.”
Thompson, too, sent a poignant note soon after the news came. “Buffalo will always be a part of my journey,” he told me. “The people, the city, my teammates—they all welcomed me and offered me a home when I needed it the most. I grew up here, as a player and a man. This is not a bitter goodbye. It’s a farewell full of thanks, mutual respect, and love for everything we’ve created together.”
While Thompson’s departure leaves a major vacancy on the ice, the Sabres are confident in their young core’s ability to go forward. Dylan Cozens, Owen Power, and Rasmus Dahlin will be relied on even more now to lead the club into the next phase.
Still, Thompson’s presence will be remembered for a long time by fans who saw him develop into one of the NHL’s brightest stars in the Queen City. Though his route has taken him abroad, Tage Thompson’s reputation in Buffalo is safe, and his name will be remembered with pride by Sabres fans for years to come.