Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson has been named the NHL’s First Star of the Week, according to an announcement from the league on Monday.
Thompson, who serves as an alternate captain for the Sabres, led all NHL players with nine points—three goals and six assists—over the past week. His performance helped Buffalo secure a 2-1-1 record during an important segment of their schedule.
In Thursday’s game against Montreal, Thompson recorded his ninth career hat trick and contributed two assists in a 5-3 victory. It marked his third career game with at least five points and included his 199th, 200th, and 201st career goals over his nine years in the league.
“He’s a game changer every single night,” said linemate Alex Tuch after the game. “and when he turns it on like that, when he’s feeling it like that, he’s unstoppable.”
This recognition marks Thompson’s fourth time being honored as one of the NHL’s Stars of the Week. He was previously named Second Star for the weeks ending February 1, 2025; December 17, 2022; and December 10, 2022.
Thompson is currently on a seven-game point streak with five goals and eight assists during that span. With 25 goals so far this season, he is tied for seventh in the league entering Monday’s games. Among even-strength goals, his total of 21 ranks second only to Nathan MacKinnon (29).
Looking ahead, Thompson will represent Team USA at the upcoming Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. He is projected to score approximately 43 goals this season—a figure close to his previous totals of 47 in the 2022-23 season and 44 in the 2024-25 season.
The NHL also recognized Roman Josi and Karel Vejmelka alongside Thompson as its “Three Stars” for the week ending January 18. More details are available at https://t.co/D6b48Dhg1d.
