Canadiens Among Two Teams with Trade Interest in Tage Thompson

For the 15th straight year, it feels like the same song and dance for the Buffalo Sabres. As of Thursday, they find themselves in last place in the Eastern Conference standings, in the midst of a four-game losing streak, appearing poised to extend their lengthy playoff drought. A turnaround is still well within the realm of possibilities, but given the Sabres’ history, there isn’t much positivity right now down in Buffalo. 

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We’ve heard the rumors that stars Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson view this as a make-or-break year, so with the way things have gone through 16 games, talk of their future begins to pick up.

That’s especially true with Thompson, who, according to Marco D’Amico of RG Media, has been generating lots of interest on the trade market, with the Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks said to be among those to reach out. 

Is Thompson Ready to Move on and Join Canadian Contender?

D’Amico wrote:

“One name drawing the most curiosity: Tage Thompson. Several teams — including the Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks — have contacted Buffalo to inquire about the direction the Sabres plan to take with their star forward.

He went on to mention that general manager Kevyn Adams has told interested teams that Thompson is not available right now, though that could obviously change depending on where the Sabres stand in a few months’ time. 

The 28-year-old is in the third season of the seven-year, $49.99 million contract extension he signed in Buffalo back in 2022, one that looks like a bargain of a deal with the rising salary cap.

Does Thompson Make Sense for Montreal?

The Montreal Canadiens have gotten off to a fantastic start to the 2025-26 season, though the one hole they’ve been searching to fill for quite some time now is a second-line center, and what better option than Thompson?

Alex Newhook and Kirby Dach have actually been quite productive thus far, though we know Dach in particular has had trouble staying healthy, and acquiring a player like Thompson would be a massive upgrade.

General manager Kent Hughes has shown himself to be ultra-aggressive in recent years, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear that he’s lurking around the availability of another star player. 

Given their prospect pool, draft capital, and willingness to make a big move, the Canadiens should absolutely be seen as a threat to land Thompson should the Sabres decide it’s time to blow up their roster.

Next: Insider Connects Three Teams to Potential Steven Stamkos Trade