Buffalo Sabres: Tage Thompson primed for breakthrough in 2019-20

Tage Thompson has excellent talent, but will he begin to fulfill his undeniable potential next season for the Buffalo Sabres?

There are many questions surrounding the Buffalo Sabres, as the countdown to training camp continues in earnest. This includes what to expect from Tage Thompson during the 2019-20 campaign.

The Sabres are invested in what Thompson can potentially do for the franchise. He has the intriguing combination of excellent talent, size, and versatility, which will be important to the team’s chances of finally ending their postseason drought.

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Thompson’s first season in Western New York was not much to write home about, with just 12 points (seven goals and five assists) in 65 NHL games and periods of being a healthy scratch. However, he still gained invaluable experience in just his second year at the top level.

This has led to the belief that Thompson has a genuine shot at a top-six place on the right wing for the Sabres in 2019-20. This is helped by the strong likelihood Jason Pominville won’t be returning, even though, publicly at least, the 36-year-old veteran hasn’t closed the door yet.

The situation is further enhanced by the possibility that Sam Reinhart will be moved back to center. The recent trade of Alexander Nylander can’t hurt either – Nylander would have potentially provided more competition on the wing.

With everything seems to be falling into place for Thompson to claim a spot in the top-six, he’s also doing his best to boost his cause. Consider his recent showing at the Sabres’ annual development camp.

The Arizona native turned up in fantastic shape, courtesy of his determination to build up his strength and better deal with the physical demands of the NHL. He went on to win the Craig Ramsay Leadership Award, which is given to the hardest working player at camp.

You can have all the talent in the world, but you are only going to go so far in your chosen profession if you don’t have the work ethic. If Thompson continues with his current approach, combining this with his undoubted abilities should lead to a successful career in the NHL.

The next step for the 2016 first round draft pick, will be to prove himself at training camp and during preseason action. If everything goes to plan, his dream of a top-six spot on the Sabres’ roster could become a reality.

In truth though, it doesn’t actually matter if Thompson falls short of this goal, considering how young he still is. Just making the opening night roster full stop would be considered a step in the right direction at this stage of his development.

In fact, there are some members of the sports media who believe the US international might even be better served starting the new campaign in Rochester. He ended last season with the Americans, scoring eight goals and tallying 11 overall points in 11 games (including the Calder Cup playoffs).

We predict, however, that it won’t come to this. Given everything that is transpiring, Thompson should be on the Buffalo Sabres’ opening night roster. The only real uncertainty relates to where he will be on the depth chart. In this respect, it’s worth noting his versatility actually means he can also play center if necessary.

This will be answered by how much the former St. Louis Blues forward uses his size and strength to his advantage during camp and preseason. He must also take steps to improve his play at the defensive end of the ice.

There really is little limit to how much success Thompson can have in the NHL – he will go as far as he wants to. However, securing a place in the top-six for the coming season should be perceived as a bonus rather than an expectation at this point of his career.

What kind of success are you projecting for Thompson next season? How much will he contribute to the Buffalo Sabres? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.