Hank Balling: Big Deal for Big Tage Thompson

Whoopee!!!!! Big check for 1 very good year. Could be a big gamble!

Hank Balling: Big Deal for Big Tage Thompson
- Hank Balling

Nice Read Hank!! Definitely something different for this organization and Adams

Whoopee!!!!! Big check for 1 very good year. Could be a big gamble!
- HenryHockey

Well aren't they all when you try and get ahead of the game.

Whomever is gonna cry?

Both sides hedging probably means it's a good deal.

Whomever is gonna cry?
- jochfr

It's "whomst" you silly (frank)

https://youtu.be/qggxTtnKTMo

I do like how it captures all his “prime” years. That has been an issue in our past paying guys into their mid 30s, he will be on the lower end of that age bracket.

I remember thinking about the season Tage had last year and saw he was going to become a RFA this next offseason. He had a great year and really thought Buffalo would give him an extension sometime during the season if he continued his success.

BUT

To reward such a HUGE contract without seeing if he can continue the progression could bite the Sabres hard. I actually thought Buffalo was starting to look like they were in prime situation to get rid of deadweight salary while filling the team with talent and depth. If he loses confidence or gets too content it could be a disaster and Skinner all over again.

I sure hope this kid continues and becomes a 40 goal scorer because it's a gamble.

Baaaaahhhhaahahahahaha!!!!

Kyle Okposo, Jeff Skinner, Tage Thompson. Regardless of the GM, Buffalo is gonna Buffalo

I remember thinking about the season Tage had last year and saw he was going to become a RFA this next offseason. He had a great year and really thought Buffalo would give him an extension sometime during the season if he continued his success.

BUT

To reward such a HUGE contract without seeing if he can continue the progression could bite the Sabres hard. I actually thought Buffalo was starting to look like they were in prime situation to get rid of deadweight salary while filling the team with talent and depth. If he loses confidence or gets too content it could be a disaster and Skinner all over again.

I sure hope this kid continues and becomes a 40 goal scorer because it's a gamble.
- Glak18

If you take the gamble and "lose" by him doing it again (or more) then you are looking at 10+ mill a year more. You're gambling either way.

I remember thinking about the season Tage had last year and saw he was going to become a RFA this next offseason. He had a great year and really thought Buffalo would give him an extension sometime during the season if he continued his success.

BUT

To reward such a HUGE contract without seeing if he can continue the progression could bite the Sabres hard. I actually thought Buffalo was starting to look like they were in prime situation to get rid of deadweight salary while filling the team with talent and depth. If he loses confidence or gets too content it could be a disaster and Skinner all over again.

I sure hope this kid continues and becomes a 40 goal scorer because it's a gamble.
- Glak18

I dont think that has to be the bar.

Even if he plateaus as a 30+30 center who improves on his two-way play due to his absurd reach, the deal will be a good one in short order.

If you take the gamble and "lose" by him doing it again (or more) then you are looking at 10+ mill a year more. You're gambling either way.
- Slump Buster

Only 10 players in the NHL make more than 10 million. I think if he replicated his season again this year he would get a little more and a extra year

If you take the gamble and "lose" by him doing it again (or more) then you are looking at 10+ mill a year more. You're gambling either way.
- Slump Buster

Or he walks himself to the cusp of free agency a la Reinhart and decides not to sign

Excellent deal for Sabres … terrific player …

Hopefully Ducks do this same kind with Terry ….

Only 10 players in the NHL make more than 10 million. I think if he replicated his season again this year he would get a little more and a extra year
- Fattony1187

He would get waaaaaaaay more than 7.15 mill a year if he did it again. Just look at the contracts that were just signed.

15 years ago Vanek signed the same deal.


Just think about that.

I like it. The gamble is if he hits 35-40 this year without a contract extension, his agent entertains offers elsewhere

He would get waaaaaaaay more than 7.15 mill a year if he did it again. Just look at the contracts that were just signed.
- Slump Buster

I agree. Read yours after mine. He’s a beast of a guy, plays center, can score. Nuf said

Baaaaahhhhaahahahahaha!!!!

Kyle Okposo, Jeff Skinner, Tage Thompson. Regardless of the GM, Buffalo is gonna Buffalo
- AxlRose91

Sure, like Teams don't try to get ahead of the game all the time. St. Louis did it with Thomas, Ottawa just did it with Norris.

15 years ago Vanek signed the same deal.


Just think about that.
- dadeadhead

Your old!!

Sure, like Teams don't try to get ahead of the game all the time. St. Louis did it with Thomas, Ottawa just did it with Norris.
- Buff36

I’d rather make a long term bet with a homegrown player with term that covers the majority of his prime then a UFA whose best years are behind him.

Does Tage shoot 15% again next year ? Probably not.

If he shoots closer to 10%, we are still looking at a guy who will score ~ 30 goals and should improve his defensive game as he matures into the position.

Slight overpay as of today, but will be just right as we go along as AAV’s will continue to rise.

Worth it in my eyes

Sure, like Teams don't try to get ahead of the game all the time. St. Louis did it with Thomas, Ottawa just did it with Norris.
- Buff36

If you don’t invest in your talent, you’re farked. Not every LTD is a home run, but if they don’t make this deal and he produces this year, we cannot afford him and he’s gone

I’d feel even more better if they parlayed Mitts + into a dependable 200 foot Centre.

Cozens will mature into that role but we need another one.