‘Thompson was limited to 71 of Buffalo’s 82 games because of injuries and took a huge step back in goals (29), assists (27) and points (56) compared to his breakout 2022-23 season (NHL career-high 47 goals, 47 assists, 94 points). But Thompson returned to his elite form down the stretch (21 points in final 18 games) and still brings a rare combination of size (6-foot-6) and a hard shot for a center.’