Sabres sign Tage Thompson to 7-year, $50 million US contract extension

Buffalo Sabres centre Tage Thompson cashed in on a breakout season by agreeing to a seven-year, $50 million US contract extension on Tuesday.

Thompson gets a hefty raise from his current three-year, $4.2 million contract, which runs out after this season. The new deal represents the faith the Sabres have in the 24-year-old, who's coming off a team-leading 38-goal season.

Thompson had 68 points in 78 games last season as he nearly doubled his goal and point totals from his first four NHL seasons combined.

Thompson's emergence as a top-line forward coincided with Don Granato's promotion to coach following Ralph Krueger being fired in March of 2021. Granato provided Thompson more playing time from the start, and Thompson shifted from wing to his more natural position, centre, to open last season.

Thompson's 38 goals ranked 19th in the league, and he finished tied for eighth with eight multi-goal games, including his first career hat trick on Feb. 19.

Granato had previous ties with Thompson, having coached him at USA Hockey's national development program.

HERE. TO. STAY‼️<br><br>We have agreed to terms with forward Tage Thompson to a seven-year contract extension worth $50 million.<br><br>Details: <a href="https://t.co/I0PGclnYQ1">https://t.co/I0PGclnYQ1</a> <a href="https://t.co/qlHiGDWFpH">pic.twitter.com/qlHiGDWFpH</a>

Before Granato, the 6-foot-7 Thompson was regarded as more of an afterthought as he bounced between the Sabres and the minors while also missing time with a shoulder injury.

"I feel like I've always known that my potential's there and that I could eventually reach it," Thompson said in November, crediting Granato's influence. "He just, coming into the season, challenged me to go and reach it now."

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