There were many things Tage Thompson could have taken out of the 2025 IIHF World Championship after last season when he scored the golden goal that gave the United States its first World Championship since 1933.

There was the sense of his own ability to perform under pressure, the nine points the forward had in 10 games at the tournament. There was the sense of vindication, a boost to his chances to make the U.S. team for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 after not making the squad for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.

There was also something simpler -- and more complicated -- especially for his NHL team, the Buffalo Sabres.

“I think just what it takes to win,” Thompson said. “I think probably the biggest thing I took out of it was the mindset. It’s a short tournament, so it’s

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