Tage Thompson just reminded the hockey world why he’s one of the most electrifying players in the NHL right now.
The Buffalo Sabres forward was named the league’s First Star of the Week after a scorching stretch that saw him rack up nine points (3 goals, 6 assists) over four games. It wasn’t just the numbers-it was the way he took over games, powering the Sabres to a 2-1-1 record during a pivotal week in their season.
The highlight? A vintage Thompson performance on Thursday against Montreal.
He exploded for his ninth career hat trick and added two assists in a 5-3 win-marking the third time in his career he’s posted five or more points in a game. That night also saw him hit a major milestone, notching career goals No. 199, 200, and 201.
That’s nine seasons of work culminating in a performance that had fans at KeyBank Center on their feet and his teammates in awe.
“He’s a game changer every single night,” said linemate Alex Tuch after the win. “And when he turns it on like that, when he’s feeling it like that, he’s unstoppable.”
This is Thompson’s fourth career Star of the Week recognition, but his first time taking the top spot. He previously earned Second Star honors in February 2025 and twice in December 2022.
But this one feels different-not just because of the numbers, but because of the timing. The Sabres are fighting to stay in the playoff hunt, and Thompson’s surge couldn’t have come at a better moment.
He’s now riding a seven-game point streak, tallying five goals and eight assists over that span. His 25 goals on the season tie him for seventh in the league entering Monday, and his 21 even-strength goals trail only Nathan MacKinnon, who leads the NHL with 29. That’s elite company, and it speaks to just how dominant Thompson has been-not just on the power play, but in all situations.
Looking ahead, Thompson is on pace for 43 goals this season. That would put him right in line with his breakout 47-goal campaign in 2022-23 and his 44-goal effort in 2024-25. He’s become a model of consistency at a high level, and with the Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina on the horizon, he’s set to represent Team USA as one of the country’s most dangerous scoring threats.
Joining Thompson in the NHL’s Three Stars of the Week were Roman Josi and Karel Vejmelka, but make no mistake-this week belonged to the Sabres’ alternate captain. When he’s in rhythm like this, he doesn’t just lift his team-he puts the league on notice.