‘Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said Thompson arrived at training camp “incredibly focused” after establishing himself as a stars-and-stripes star at the 2025 IIHF World Championship. His third trip to that tournament (also 2018, 2021) was by far his best, as he collected nine points (6+3) in 10 games – including the gold medal-winning goal in overtime versus Switzerland. The U.S. had last won a World Championship in 1933.’