Sabres’ Thompson named NHL’s 1st Star of the Week

Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson was named the NHL’s First Star of the Week, the league announced Monday.

The alternate captain led the NHL with nine points (3+6) during the week, powering the Sabres to a 2-1-1 record in a crucial stretch of schedule.

Thursday versus Montreal, Thompson recorded his ninth hat trick and added two assists in a 5-3 win – his third career game with five or more points. The dominant showing accounted for goals No. 199, 200 and 201 of his nine-year career.

“He’s a game changer every single night," linemate Alex Tuch said postgame, "and when he turns it on like that, when he’s feeling it like that, he’s unstoppable.”

This is the 28-year-old's fourth career Star of the Week honor. He was previously named Second Star for the week of Feb. 1, 2025; Second Star for the week of Dec. 17, 2022; and Second Star for the week of Dec. 10, 2022.

Beyond the past week, Thompson is riding a seven-game point streak with five goals and eight assists. His 25 goals are tied for seventh most in the league entering Monday, and his 21 at even strength rank second behind only Nathan MacKinnon (29).

Thompson, who will play for Team USA at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, is on pace for 43 goals this season, which would rival his 47 in 2022-23 and 44 in 2024-25.