Tage Thompson’s “Respect” Comments Hint at Beef With the Sabres

Tage Thompson’s postgame frustration boiled over in a way that might be a bad sign for the Buffalo Sabres. With so many rumors already surrounding the team, what the organization doesn’t need is their star forward growing frustrated and saying things that suggest he’s not on the same page with his team.

That’s what happened this week when, following a lifeless 6–2 loss to the Flames, Thompson didn’t just criticize the performance; he questioned the team’s respect for the game, compete level, and mentality.

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While he didn’t specifically mention his future, comments this sharp from a franchise cornerstone inevitably spark talk about whether a long-term breakup is slowly brewing.

Thompson called his team soft, casual, and unprepared. “We didn’t control things that were within our control… it was just a lack of respect for the game of hockey,” he said. He slammed the team’s one-on-one battles, their intensity, even their attitude.

The good news is, the Sabres responded on Friday with a nine-goal performance against the Chicago Blackhawks. Perhaps that was his teammates hearing his messaging and making sure they knew he was heard loud and clear. At the same time, the Sabres are a team that can have big games and then follow them up with stinkers.

Is Thompson Someone Who Might Be Growing Impatient?

Buffalo’s inconsistency isn’t helping keep rumors of potential trades quiet. Despite collecting wins over Detroit and Edmonton, the Sabres immediately stumbled, dropping six of their last eight. Thompson said the team gets “too high” on itself after wins, losing the habits that earned them success. “Tonight, we were really easy, really light on the puck.” It’s not a quality that’s endearing to players like him, someone who will eventually want to play a post-season hockey game, but has yet to in his career.

Thompson is doing his part. He’s scored in five straight games and has eight points. He leads the team in goals and points, and continues to be Buffalo’s most dangerous player. He’s locked into a value deal at $7.14 million per season until 2030. Teams would line up with offers if the Sabres were to shop him or he asked.

Is Thompson actually hinting at wanting out? Not directly. But frustration like this is how those conversations begin. And if the Sabres don’t respond quickly, this could grow from a warning into something much bigger.

Next: Canucks Have Discussed Major Quinn Hughes Trade Decision for This Season