In a stunning blockbuster move that has taken the hockey world by storm, Buffalo Sabres superstar center Tage Thompson has reportedly accepted a 4-year contract deal worth $274.3 million with the Edmonton Oilers, instantly giving the club one of the most dangerous offensive lineups in NHL history.
The agreement, confirmed by multiple league sources late Wednesday night, would make Thompson one of the highest-paid players in professional hockey, averaging an unprecedented $68 million per season.
“I’m beyond excited to join a franchise with championship expectations,” Thompson said in a prepared statement. “Edmonton has elite talent, a passionate fan base, and a vision I’m proud to be part of.”
A Franchise-Shifting Deal
The Oilers’ acquisition of Thompson comes as part of general manager Stan Bowman’s aggressive push to solidify Edmonton’s top-six and finally capture the Stanley Cup that has eluded the franchise for nearly four decades.
Pairing Thompson with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl gives Edmonton a top line that analysts are already calling “unfair.”
“This is the kind of move that changes the league,” said one Western Conference scout. “Three elite forwards of that caliber on one roster — it’s video-game stuff.”
Thompson’s Rise in Buffalo
The 6-foot-6 power center became one of the NHL’s most feared scorers over the past three seasons, recording 47 goals and 98 points during his breakout 2023–24 campaign.
Originally drafted by the St. Louis Blues, Thompson found his stride in Buffalo, where his combination of reach, skating, and shot power made him the cornerstone of the Sabres’ rebuild.
Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams issued a brief statement thanking Thompson for his contributions:
“Tage brought our franchise back to relevance. We wish him the best as he takes this next step.”
Oilers’ Championship Ambition
For Edmonton, the signing underscores a win-now mentality. After back-to-back deep playoff runs, the team appears determined to surround McDavid with enough elite talent to finally bring the Stanley Cup back to Alberta.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch praised the move:
“Tage’s size, skill, and compete level are exactly what we need down the middle. He makes everyone around him better.”
Insiders report that Thompson will wear No. 72 with Edmonton and is expected to debut in the team’s season opener next week against the Calgary Flames.
Fans React
Reaction across Canada was immediate. Within minutes of the news breaking, hashtags like #TageToTheOilers, #CupRun, and #McDavidMagic began trending across social platforms.
Oilers fans flooded downtown Edmonton in celebration, chanting, “This is our year!”
“We’ve waited long enough,” said one lifelong fan outside Rogers Place. “If this lineup can’t win it all, no one can.”
Final Word
If confirmed, Thompson’s four-year, $274.3 million deal will stand as one of the richest in hockey history and a defining moment for both franchises.
With McDavid, Draisaitl, and Thompson leading the charge, the Edmonton Oilers have officially gone all-in on their pursuit of the Stanley Cup — and the entire NHL will be watching.
“The mission is clear,” Thompson said. “We’re not here to compete — we’re here to dominate.”
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