Disgruntled top NHL scorer looking to join Stanley Cup caliber team, linked to Oilers

Although he is only in year three of a seven-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres, Tage Thompson has put pressure on his team to improve, or risk losing his motivation to play for the team.

Continuous losing can negatively impact a player's career and mental well-being, potentially influencing Thompson's long-term decision to remain with the Sabres.

The Sabres have the longest playoff drought in NHL history (14 years), putting immense pressure on the organization and its players, including Thompson. Analysts speculate that Thompson may seek an exit if the Sabres do not establish a winning culture.

Yet, it would take several years to rebuild and become a playoff team, years the Sabres best young players may not be willing to wait.

Thompson could be traded to a team seeking to make a deep playoff run, like the Oilers, whose team salary cap next year improves drastically following several of its recently-discounted contract extensions.

Thompson is considered a valuable asset with four years remaining on his deal with the Sabres.

Of course, there have also been several reports of late concerning Buffalo's pending free-agent Alex Tuch, whom the Oilers have been targeting as a possible addition closer to the playoffs, giving the Oilers ample time to assess its place in the standings.

At 6'6" and 220 pounds, Thompson brings size and physicality, adding another dimension to the Oilers' top-six forward group. He could help win battles along the boards and provide a net-front presence, complementing the skill players already on the team.