Sabres' Thompson returns vs. Red Wings after 9-game absence

Buffalo Sabres star Tage Thompson returned from injury Tuesday against the Detroit Red Wings.

Thompson missed nine games with an upper-body ailment. He suffered the injury on Nov. 14 against the Boston Bruins when he blocked a shot with his hand.

Thompson had six goals and six assists in 16 games prior to his return.

The 6-foot-6 sniper was in an unusual spot during Tuesday's game. Rather than centering the top line, Thompson played right wing with Jeff Skinner and Casey Mittelstadt.

Moving from wing to center helped propel Thompson's breakout campaign in 2021-22 when he potted 38 goals. He followed that up with 47 tallies last season. Since the start of 2021-22, Thompson ranks 11th among NHL skaters with 91 goals.