Tage Thompson's inconsistency has the Buffalo Sabres' brass considering a trade

Tage Thompson's best year was 2022-23, when he recorded 94 points (47g, 47a). Before that, in 2021-22, he'd posted 68 points, then 56 points in 2022-34, and 72 points in 2024-25. His points and goals production have been largely inconsistent.

The Buffalo Sabres, however, have been consistently underwhelming, with 2010-11 being the last time they qualified for the post-season, setting an all-time record for the longest playoff drought in NHL history (13 years).

The current system in Buffalo is clearly not working. The team has Tage Thompson on a high-value contract that pays him an AAV of $7.14M. Asking more of Thompson, however, is an extension of asking more of his teammates.

Yet, beyond Josh Norris, Buffalo is lacking in players that can both regularly score and contribute assists. If Thompson can galvanize Buffalo's offense, it would certainly improve its roster. But, if he can't, his future with the team is vulnerable.

It's a lot to ask of a young player; of any player, in fact, not named Connor, Alexander, or Auston. Which brings me to the next point.

At the age of 27, Tage Thompson is a perfect fit for the Washington Capitals. GM Chris Patrick has stated that he wants to make his team younger - Tage does that. Patrick wants scoring depth - he does that also.

Thompson would also be a noteworthy addition to an already young, talented core, and would bolster the center position, and the top-6 forwards, for years to come.

With the likes of Protas, McMichael, Strome and Dubois, not to mention the ageless Ovechkin, adding Tage Thompson to the Caps' roster would make it formidable and a challenge to play against, with so many strong pivots up and down the line-up.