American forward Thompson leaves semifinal blowout against Slovakia for precautionary reasons

American forward Tage Thompson did not play the third period of Friday’s semifinal win against Slovakia for precautionary reasons.

Thompson had a goal and an assist in just over 10 minutes of ice time before exiting.

Per The Athletic’s Michael Russo, Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan said that Thompson suffered a lower-body injury but he expects the forward to be available for the gold medal game against Canada on Sunday.

The 28-year-old Phoenix native has three goals and one assist over five games at Milano Cortina 2026.

Thompson has recorded 30 goals and 29 assists over 57 games with the Buffalo Sabres in 2025-26, his ninth season in the NHL.

Thanks to their convincing 6-2 win over Slovakia in the semifinal, the United States will now play Canada in the gold medal game Sunday morning to close Milano Cortina 2026.