Team USA’s usage of Tage Thompson at the 2026 Winter Olympics has raised serious questions, and the numbers from Saturday’s 6–3 win over Denmark only deepen the confusion.
The Buffalo Sabres star has been one of the NHL’s most productive forwards this season, yet his role in Milan suggests anything but trust from the U.S. coaching staff. Against Denmark, Thompson logged the lowest ice time of any active American skater, a deployment that stands in stark contrast to both his NHL form and his offensive pedigree.
Team USA Ice Time Decisions Leave Tage Thompson in a Limited Role
In the victory over Denmark, Team USA rolled four lines consistently, but the trio featuring Kyle Connor, Dylan Larkin and Tage Thompson was effectively deployed as a fourth line rather than the expected third unit many projected entering the tournament.
This is very important as Ice time works on trust, rhythm and opportunity. Thompson’s minutes at even strength were limited, placing him behind forwards who, on paper, have not matched his offensive output this season in the NHL.
This is not a case of Thompson being buried across the board. In fact, the most puzzling element of Team USA’s approach is that he remains on the top power-play unit. That decision alone signals that the coaching staff values his scoring ability and shot threat, particularly on the man advantage.
If Thompson is trusted with prime power-play responsibilities, the logic behind restricting his five-on-five usage becomes harder to justify.
Tage Thompson’s NHL Production Makes the Olympic Usage Confusing
Tage Thompson entered the Olympics as one of the Sabres’ driving forces at even strength, combining size, reach and elite finishing ability. His even-strength metrics in Buffalo have been strong all season, both in terms of goal production and underlying numbers.
That makes his limited Olympic role confusing.
International tournaments often reward players who can generate offense in tight windows and capitalize on limited space. Thompson’s skill set, especially his shooting release and ability to create from the slot, should theoretically translate well to Olympic play.
Instead, he has found himself watching extended stretches from the bench at five-on-five, deployed sparingly outside of power-play situations.
The explanation may lie in chemistry. The Brock Nelson line has reportedly shown strong cohesion through the early stages of the tournament, earning increased opportunities at even strength. In short events like the Winter Olympics, coaches often lean heavily on lines that find rhythm quickly, even if it comes at the expense of higher-profile names.
Still, that tactical preference does not fully explain why one of the NHL’s most effective scorers is receiving fourth-line minutes.
Team USA Must Maximize Tage Thompson as Tournament Intensifies
There is still time for adjustment.
Team USA closes the group stage against Germany, and as the knockout rounds approach, roster optimization becomes increasingly critical. Tournament hockey is intense, and offensive depth can determine medal outcomes.
If Thompson remains underutilized at even strength, the United States risks limiting one of its most dynamic weapons. His presence on the top power-play unit indicates that the coaching staff understands his scoring ceiling. The challenge now is translating that trust into more consistent five-on-five deployment.
Short tournaments are fluid, and roles can shift quickly. A strong outing or a key moment could tilt the coaching staff’s approach. However, Team USA is hardly playing Tage Thompson at even strength, and given his NHL form, the decision is difficult to reconcile.
As medal rounds loom in Milan, maximizing high-end talent will be essential. The sooner the United States finds a way to unlock Tage Thompson’s full impact, the stronger its chances of turning Olympic promise into podium reality.
