Tage Thompson admits mixed feelings about contract amid NHL's rising cap

Tage Thompson says he has “mixed feelings” about his contract as the NHL’s salary cap continues to rise. The 28-year-old Buffalo Sabres forward will earn $7.1 million this year on a deal running through the 2029-30 season. He told The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus that he feels “blessed” for signing an extension in August 2022, but acknowledged others might have waited to secure a bigger payday during the league’s recent spending surge. Thompson is described as a late bloomer: he had 35 points across 145 games in his first four NHL seasons with Buffalo and St. Louis, then exploded after 2021-22. The Sabres’ contract is considered team-friendly, with the NHL’s top salary for 2026-27 set at $18 million for Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson. Thompson’s lower cap hit has also helped Buffalo re-sign young players on long-term deals. He has started the new campaign with two goals and two assists in the first three games. Unrestricted free agency eligibility is in 2030, when he will be 32.