The Team USA roster for the upcoming Olympics features an abundance of elite forwards, including Jack Eichel, Auston Matthews, and the Tkachuk brothers. Despite this talent pool, Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson, currently placed on the third line, is expected to have a significant impact and may emerge as the team’s leading goal scorer by the tournament’s end.
Thompson’s role alongside Kyle Connor and Dylan Larkin during practices highlights his scoring potential. Both Connor and Larkin excel at setting up teammates while maintaining their own scoring ability, making the line well-suited to create opportunities for Thompson to capitalize, particularly with one-timers.
Thompson’s Role on Team USA’s Power Play Line Enhances Scoring Chances
Another critical factor positioning Thompson to lead in goals is his participation with Team USA’s top power play unit. As reported by Michael Russo of The Athletic, Thompson has been playing alongside Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk, Jack Eichel, and Quinn Hughes on this first power play group, providing quality chances to score.
While the Buffalo Sabres’ power play ranks 16th in NHL power play goals and efficiency, Thompson’s individual efforts have been pivotal. He has contributed five power-play goals this season and demonstrated his proficiency in this setting during the 2022-23 season, netting 20 power-play goals.
Potential to Continue Hot Scoring Trend at the Olympics
The Olympics mark the first time NHL players participate since 2014, when Phil Kessel topped Team USA with five goals in six games. Thompson enters the tournament riding a strong scoring streak, totaling eight goals in his previous 12 NHL contests. This momentum positions him well to sustain his output in the Olympics and possibly reach six goals or more.
The combination of his strategic line placement, power play responsibilities, and recent performance suggests Tage Thompson could emerge as a driving force for Team USA’s offense during the Olympic games.
This is what @Sportsnetkyle saw at Team USA practice
Tkachuk/Eichel/Tkachuk
Guentzel/Matthews/Boldy
Connor/Larkin/Thompson
Miller/Nelson/Hughes
Trocheck some rotating with Nelson
KellerHughes/McAvoy
Slavin/Faber
Sanderson/Werenski
LaCombe/HanifinHellebuyck in own net pic.twitter.com/3RnTxD5KD5
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 9, 2026
