A slow start has rival clubs checking on the Buffalo Sabres’ franchise scorer.
Multiple reports say two teams, the Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks, placed calls about Tage Thompson’s availability. GM Kevyn Adams has told interested clubs the same thing: Thompson is not available at this time.
Buffalo’s preference is to ride out injuries and illness, elevate some of their young talent in the system, and try to avoid panic trades while they attempt to stabilize the season.
Canadiens check in on Tage Thompson
Montreal’s search for a long-term answer down the middle naturally points to a two-time 40-goal pivot like Thompson.
What a rip from Tage Thompson pic.twitter.com/UDtjayeFr0
— Jonah (@TSR_Jonah) October 25, 2025
However, TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie pushed back on talk that formal conversations advanced, framing Thompson, along with Rasmus Dahlin, as core, untouchable pieces. From Buffalo’s side, there’s little incentive to move a cost-controlled star unless the player asks out or a blockbuster package clearly improves the team’s outlook.
Canucks also make a call
Vancouver has been canvassing center help and, like Montreal, checked the temperature on Thompson. The Sabres’ stance remains firm. Thompson is in year three of a seven-year deal (cap hit a bit over $7 million) with a five-team no-trade list, giving Buffalo leverage if circumstances change later.
For now, with injuries to key contributors and Dahlin away on a personal matter, Adams is resisting short-term fixes that subtract from the core.
Rumors floating about Tage Thompson coming to #Canucks the 40 goal score as a potential trade target. pic.twitter.com/am69uM6nrR
— IndY (@YYCguy7) November 13, 2025
League executives will keep calling, but the tone likely won’t shift unless Buffalo is still stuck near the bottom as the deadline approaches.
Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images