Tage Thompson #72 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates with teammate JJ Peterka #77 (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Things continue to be difficult for the Buffalo Sabres early this season, and rival teams are already circling like vultures.
With Josh Norris, Jason Zucker, and Jiri Kulich out long-term, Rasmus Dahlin away from the team due to a personal matter, and Zach Benson banged up, things don’t look like they’re getting better anytime soon.
That said, there’s still hope the club can turn it around by leaning on youngsters like Isak Rosen, Noah Ostlund, and Josh Doan. At least, that’s the party line being held by GM Kevyn Adams, according to NHL sources.
The Sabres currently sit in last place in the hyper-competitive Eastern Conference, with 14 points in 15 games — the only team in the East below .500.
Contending teams that have gotten off to strong starts have begun making calls across the league to gauge what their rivals are planning, with the American Thanksgiving period expected to generate some trade activity.
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.
According to a well-placed source, Adams’ response has been consistent: “Not available at this time.”
The Sabres are reportedly looking to avoid any panic moves for now. With only a five-team no-trade list, Buffalo could likely draw massive interest for Thompson if they ever decide to move him later this season or in the offseason.
For now, though, the Sabres are not entertaining trade talks for Thompson.
Making the Right Moves
The Sabres have already made noise in recent months trying to perform surgery on the team’s core.
Before the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, Buffalo traded Dylan Cozens to the Ottawa Senators. Cozens has since become a key piece for Ottawa, posting 12 points in 16 games while holding a top-six center role.
Meanwhile, Josh Norris — who came to Buffalo in that deal — has played just four NHL games since the trade out of a possible 37 and looks to be out a while longer.
This summer, Adams also moved disgruntled winger J.J. Peterka to Utah in exchange for Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring. On paper, the trade was deemed underwhelming by many, as Peterka was coming off a 68-point season with the struggling Sabres.
Kesselring is just beginning to find his footing in Buffalo, but Doan’s early success — nine points in 15 games — has started to win fans over.
With pressure mounting on Adams to right the ship without overreacting, sources indicate the Sabres are not looking to subtract from their roster at this time.
Still, the belief around the league is that the tone could change if Buffalo remains stuck in the same spot come February. Teams like the Canadiens, with the patience to wait it out, will be keeping close tabs — just in case.
Bet $50 on any NHL matchup and get a $10 bonus back with Bet99.
