Tage Thompson

It wasn't pretty (eight goals, six assists, 14 points, minus-six rating), but Thompson set career-high marks across the board last season. He was in and out of the lineup early in the year before securing a full-time spot over the course of Buffalo's final 23 games. He was productive over that span, posting seven goals and 12 points. Thompson is the exact type of player a rebuilding team like Buffalo should give every opportunity to bloom. He's 6-foot-6 with an excellent set of hands and he's still just 23 years old. It would be shocking if Thompson didn't begin next season as a regular in the lineup given his strong finish to last campaign, but fantasy managers should take a wait-and-see approach before taking the plunge.

Thompson only appeared in one contest with the Sabres before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury last year. The 6-foot-6 American should be a full-time player for Buffalo in 2020-21, but he'll be playing in a checking role on the fourth line, severely limiting his offensive upside. Thompson should be a solid bottom-sixer for the Sabres this season, but he won't be a useful fantasy option.

Thompson's huge at 6-foot-6 and 205 pounds, and he turns just 22 in October, so there's some upside to be found in St. Louis' 2016 first-rounder. He spent most of last season with the big club in Buffalo, coming away with seven goals, 12 points and a minus-22 rating in 65 games. That lack of scoring suggests he's likely ticketed for a bottom-six role, though Thompson did flash some AHL scoring touch with six goals and three helpers in eight games. Though the Sabres have a glut of bottom-six forwards on the roster, Thompson's size and youth should help him secure a roster spot in camp.

The 2016 first-round (26th overall) pick got his first taste of the NHL last season, lighting the lamp three times and dishing out six helpers in 41 games. There was a learning curve for Thompson, however, as he struggled defensively at times, shying away from contact and finishing with a minus-12 rating. Still, The 6-foot-5, 205-pound forward has massive potential highlighted by a dangerous wrister, but the Blues packaged him in a trade to Buffalo in exchange for star Ryan O'Reilly. The Sabres are a better fit for Thompson at this time, as they're younger and the pressure of chasing a Cup hasn't arrived yet. It will be a good opportunity for the 20-year-old to hone in on improvements while manning Buffalo's third line. Fantasy owners in keeper leagues should see Thompson's bright future, but those searching for results this season will want to look elsewhere.