NHL Rumors: Buffalo Sabres Almost Made Huge Mistake

There's been a giant spotlight on Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson this season and rightfully so. Thompson has broken out in a big way and is now the latest superstar to arrive in the NHL. Could you imagine if the Sabres traded him last summer?

Apparently, it almost happened. According to TSN Overdrive host Bryan Hayes and NHL alum Jamie McLellan, they both heard the same trade rumor regarding the Sabres shopping Thompson last season and were apparently considering moving him for a mid-round draft pick.

All Thompson has done this season is look like Mario Lemieux on the ice. He's recorded 30 goals and 55 points in 36 games and is keeping the Sabres relevant in the Eastern Conference. Thompson was acquired as part of the Ryan O'Reilly trade with the St Louis Blues, a trade that's a rare win-win trade for both teams.

At this point, it's unknown which team had the most interest at the time in Thompson. Now, every team would love him on their roster and the Sabres are lucky to have him locked in long term.