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Tage Thompson, Buffalo Sabres (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Buffalo Sabres Fan Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Zach Berta | Last updated Feb 11, 2026 8:45 AM ET

For the first time since 2014, NHL players are competing in the Winter Olympics. The Buffalo Sabres have two players representing their country. Here is what you need to know about Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin as the men’s tournament gets underway this week.

Tage Thompson – United States

Sabres center Tage Thompson was named to Team USA when the final rosters were revealed on Jan. 2. Thompson has been one of the NHL’s most prolific goal scorers over the last five seasons, tallying 188 goals, ranked eighth during that span.

Thompson is on a roster already loaded with players like Jack Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights), Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs), and Matthew Tkachuk (Florida Panthers). Thompson has seemingly earned his spot on this roster with his strong performance over the last few seasons.

Since 2021-22, Thompson has had four 30-plus goal seasons (including this season), including two 40-plus goal seasons (47 in 2022-23, 44 in 2024-25). This season, Thompson has 59 points (30 goals, 29 assists) in 59 games with the team currently in a playoff spot. He’s become one of the Sabres’ star players.

Thompson has represented the United States in five other tournaments, including the U18 World Championship, the U20 World Junior Championship, and three World Championships, where he recorded 17 points in 28 career games.

His most recent appearance was in 2025, when he recorded six goals (nine points) in 10 games. In that tournament, Thompson also scored the golden goal, a 1-0 overtime victory over Switzerland, to win the country’s first gold medal at the World Championship in 92 years.

When to Watch:

The USA is in Group C, with its biggest competition being Germany. There’s a good chance the matchup between the two teams on Sun, Feb. 15, could determine who wins the group.

Thurs, Feb. 12 – @ 3:10 pm ET vs Latvia

Sat, Feb. 14 – @ 3:10 pm ET vs Denmark

Sun, Feb. 15 – @ 3:10 pm ET vs Germany

Rasmus Dahlin – Sweden

Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin was one of the initial six players named to Team Sweden in June. Since the 2022-23 season, Dahlin has recorded 248 points in 285 games, ranked fifth among NHL defensemen in that span. He has also recorded 60-plus points twice, including a 73-point season in 2022-23.

Dahlin sits second on the all-time list among Sabres defensemen in scoring with 408 career points, trailing only Phil Housley (558). Dahlin is an elite two-way player with strong leadership skills. He also has a ton of international experience.

He has played in 12 other tournaments representing Sweden, including two U20 World Junior Championships, two World Championships, an Olympic appearance in 2018, where Sweden finished fifth, and the 4 Nations Face-Off last season. He has recorded 28 points in international play.

Dahlin is expected to take on one of the bigger roles on the team. He’s going to be on the first power-play unit, log a ton of minutes, and be on the ice in the biggest moments. He’ll be on the blue line with the likes of Erik Karlsson (Pittsburgh Penguins), Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning), and others.

When to Watch:

Sweden is in Group B with their competition being Finland, Italy, and Slovakia. An interesting group, as most expect Sweden and Finland to finish in the top two spots, but I would not sleep on Slovakia. Sweden will have its work cut out for it in their matchups against both Finland and Slovakia.

Thurs, Feb. 11 – @ 3:10 pm ET vs Italy

Fri, Feb. 13 – @ 6:10 am ET vs Finland

Sat, Feb. 14 – @ 6:10 am ET vs Slovakia

Thompson and Dahlin are set to showcase their elite talent on the world stage at the Winter Olympics, each playing a pivotal role in their country’s push for gold. No matter how the tournament unfolds, both players are poised to make a statement on hockey’s biggest international stage.