Although Thompson hasn’t played at all in the American Hockey League this season, the Sabres made sure at the trade deadline that he’d be eligible to play in the AHL playoffs. Some fans want him to be sent to Rochester if he’s not going to play or get enough ice time in Buffalo, but now he’ll have the opportunity to help the Americans in the Calder Cup playoffs. Even though his mind is set on finishing the season strong with the Sabres, getting a chance to play in playoff games and get a taste of that rush is all part of helping him grow.
“They’re a great team, and they’re doing really well right now,” Thompson said. “I played with a lot of those guys at the beginning of the season in main camp and the rookie showcase, so I know a lot of the guys there from being here in the summer a little bit and training and skating with them. It won’t be like I’m going into an unfamiliar environment there. … I’ll hopefully be able to help them continue the success down there.”