Tage Thompson isn't on the trade block yet, but that didn't stop at least two teams from reportedly inquiring about his availability. Regarding Thompson, while Marco D'Amico of RG reported that "According to a well-placed source, (Kevyn) Adams’ response has been consistent: 'Not available at this time,'" it doesn't mean the Detroit Red Wings shouldn't inquire multiple times about Thompson's availability.
Thompson, currently second on the Sabres with 12 points and six goals in 16 games, has been one of the very few bright spots on the Sabres over their past 15 seasons of futility. Throughout his career in Buffalo, Thompson has 179 goals and 328 points across 423 games, but his efforts have yielded zero playoff appearances for the Sabres.
Now in his age-28 season, Thompson must be getting impatient amidst the constant losing, and a change of scenery would take a lot of pressure off his shoulders. While the Red Wings still have their problems, one massive benefit for acquiring him means he's joining a much more stable core, with Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, and Alex DeBrincat headlining it.
Why the Detroit Red Wings must inquire about Tage Thompson
One reason is that the Yzerplan, while effective in rebuilding the Red Wings into playoff contenders, hasn't put them through to the postseason. There has been way too much inconsistency with the current group of young talent, and injecting one more proven, star forward into the mix would put the Red Wings over the edge.
Thompson, teaming up with players like Dylan Larkin and/or Alex DeBrincat, would force opponents to account for yet another star player. His presence would also solidify a top six for the future with proven talent, since Patrick Kane won't be there forever while Marco Kasper is still young and unproven. Plus, Thompson has a contract that runs through the 2030 season.
Adding Thompson to the core would also give veterans looking to join a team in a supporting role in the coming offseasons a reason to make Detroit their next home. They will want to find the best way to win their next, or even their first, Stanley Cup, so making the Red Wings look as attractive as possible will increase the odds of these vets coming to spend time in Detroit.
It would cost a fortune to land someone like Tage Thompson
Here's the part nobody wants to talk about, but nothing needs to be addressed more. To acquire Thompson, it would cost a first-round pick, a player currently with the big club, and a high-end prospect. For this package, a 2026 first-round pick, William Wallinder, and Emmitt Finnie would make a good swap here.
Finnie would be the name that stands out, but he's also not a proven talent. He's someone who's going to play every shift hard, isn't afraid to do the dirty work, and has limitless potential. For someone drafted in the seventh round in 2023, Finnie has exceeded and will keep exceeding expectations, and he would make a formidable asset to any young core.
Still, this is measuring a proven talent against someone who is still acclimating to the NHL. So, add Finnie to the mix, get rid of a first-round pick, and hand Buffalo a high-potential defenseman. It may be a deviation from the Yzerplan, but it's also long past overdue for the Red Wings to claw their way past mediocrity.
Even if Tage Thompson isn't on the trade block yet, the fact that teams are already inquiring hints that there is a chance Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams will listen to offers for him at some point. And Thompson, who is very familiar with the Red Wings, would figure to be an immediate fit if he went from one team looking like a longshot to bust through their playoff drought to one that has a much better chance.