Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tage Thompson

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 19, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Tage Thompson made an impact.

Tage Thompson is an American professional ice hockey center and alternate captain for the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL. Drafted 26th overall by the St. Louis Blues in 2016, he played one season with them before being traded to the Sabres. Prior to his NHL career, Thompson played college hockey at the University of Connecticut.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Collegiate Career with Connecticut

In 2015, Tage Thompson embarked on his collegiate career with the University of Connecticut in the Hockey East conference, following his time with the U.S. National Development Team in the United States Hockey League.

2016: Drafted by St. Louis Blues

In 2016, Tage Thompson was selected 26th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the NHL entry draft.

2016: Participated with Team USA

In the 2016-17 season, Thompson participated with Team USA in the IIHF World Junior Championship in Canada which resulted in Thompson earning his second Gold Medal.

March 7, 2017: Signs with St. Louis Blues

On March 7, 2017, after completing his sophomore season with the Huskies, Thompson concluded his collegiate career and signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the St. Louis Blues. He joined the Chicago Wolves of the AHL on an amateur tryout contract for the remainder of the 2016–17 season.

October 4, 2017: NHL Debut

On October 4, 2017, Tage Thompson made his NHL debut playing for the Blues against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

July 1, 2018: Traded to Buffalo Sabres

On July 1, 2018, Tage Thompson was part of a trade by the Blues, along with Patrik Berglund, Vladimír Sobotka, a 2019 first-round draft pick, and a 2021 second-round draft pick, to the Buffalo Sabres for Ryan O'Reilly.

2019: Part of Trade for Ryan O'Reilly

In 2019, Tage Thompson was part of a trade by the Blues, along with Patrik Berglund, Vladimír Sobotka, a 2019 first-round draft pick, and a 2021 second-round draft pick, to the Buffalo Sabres for Ryan O'Reilly.

October 5, 2020: Signs Contract Extension with Sabres

On October 5, 2020, Tage Thompson, as a restricted free agent, signed a three-year, $4.2 million contract extension with the Buffalo Sabres.

2021: Breakout Season with Sabres

In 2021, Tage Thompson enjoyed a breakout season with the Buffalo Sabres, playing on the top line with Jeff Skinner and Alex Tuch.

2021: Part of Trade for Ryan O'Reilly

In 2021, Tage Thompson was part of a trade by the Blues, along with Patrik Berglund, Vladimír Sobotka, a 2019 first-round draft pick, and a 2021 second-round draft pick, to the Buffalo Sabres for Ryan O'Reilly.

February 19, 2022: First Career Hat-Trick

On February 19, 2022, Tage Thompson scored his first career hat-trick in a 5–3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche.

October 31, 2022: Six-Point Game Against Red Wings

On October 31, 2022, Tage Thompson scored a hat-trick and tallied three assists in an 8–3 win over the Detroit Red Wings, becoming the sixth player in franchise history to collect six points in a game.

2025: IIHF World Championship

In 2025, Thompson represented the United States at the IIHF World Championship, recording six goals and three assists in ten games. He scored the game-winning overtime goal against Switzerland, helping Team USA win their first gold medal since 1933.

2025: Leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics

Leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics during the 2025–26 season, Thompson had scored eight goals and seven assists in 12 games, including scoring a hat trick against the Montreal Canadiens. Overall, he scored 59 points with 30 goals and 29 assists in 57 games prior to the Olympic break.