Few NHL stories combine on-ice dominance with off-ice resilience quite like Tage Thompson’s. The Buffalo Sabres center didn’t just explode for 47 goals in 2022‑23 — he did so while his wife Rachel was battling cancer.
Full name: Tage Nathaniel Thompson ·
Team: Buffalo Sabres ·
Position: Center ·
Drafted: 2016, 26th overall ·
Contract: 7 years, $50M (AAV $7.14M)
Quick snapshot
- Wife’s name is Rachel (née Blakely) (Sports Illustrated)
- Two children: Brooks (b. 2022), Baker (b. 2023), Indie (b. 2025) (Sports Illustrated)
- Cap hit $7,142,857 on 7‑year $50M contract (NHL.com)
- Christian faith (Christian Post)
- Exact net worth (not publicly disclosed)
- Full details of wife’s post‑soccer career
- Future contract or trade possibilities
- Core player for Buffalo Sabres through 2030
- Continued growth as alternate captain
- Potential Olympic/World Cup appearances
A verified table of Tage Thompson’s physical stats, biographical details, and contract terms appears below.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 30, 1997 |
| Place of Birth | Glendale, Arizona, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (196 cm) |
| Weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Position | Center |
| Team | Buffalo Sabres |
| Drafted | 2016, Round 1 (26th overall by St. Louis Blues) |
| Salary (Cap Hit) | $7,142,857 (2024‑25) |
| Wife | Rachel Thompson |
| Children | Three (Brooks, Baker, Indie) |
Who is Tage Thompson’s wife?
Tage Thompson married Rachel Blakely in July 2021 after a courtship that began on his 19th birthday, according to the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA). Rachel, a former college soccer player at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma in 2018 and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. She is now cancer-free, as reported by Sabre Noise.
Rachel’s cancer battle reshaped the couple’s priorities — Tage has repeatedly cited her strength as the reason he stays grounded through the highs of an NHL career.
Rachel is known for her philanthropic work and active social media presence, often sharing family moments that provide a rare window into the private lives of NHL families.
Bottom line: Tage and Rachel Thompson met on his 19th birthday, married in 2021, and overcame a cancer diagnosis together before starting a family.
How many children does Tage Thompson have?
The couple has three children: Brooks Nathaniel Thompson (born July 2022), Baker David Thompson (born December 2023), and Indie Mae Thompson (born July 2025), as detailed by Sports Illustrated. The family often appears together at Sabres home games, and Rachel’s social media gives fans glimpses of their life.
The implication: Thompson’s role as a father of three young children adds a layer of perspective to his on-ice intensity.
What is Tage Thompson’s current salary?
Thompson signed a seven-year, $50 million contract extension with the Buffalo Sabres on August 30, 2022, according to Sportsnet. The deal carries an average annual value of $7.14 million, per NHL.com. His first two entry-level contracts paid a total of $4.2 million over three years, as noted in a Buffalo Sabres Facebook post.
The implication: Thompson’s cap hit of $7,142,857 places him among the league’s top-paid centers — a bet the Sabres made after his breakout 38‑goal season in 2021‑22.
What is Tage Thompson’s religion?
Thompson is a Christian who describes his faith as a personal relationship with God. In an interview with The Christian Post, he said his faith moved from “going through the motions” to understanding a real relationship with Christ around age 13. He has said he “relies on God” to keep him grounded, a perspective shared in a Sabre Noise interview.
In a sport that often downplays personal beliefs, Thompson’s openness about his Christianity offers fans a rare, authentic connection beyond the rink.
What is Tage Thompson’s background and early career?
Born in Glendale, Arizona, and raised in Orange County, California, Thompson played one season of college hockey at the University of Connecticut before being selected 26th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, per Wikipedia. He made his NHL debut in 2017 and was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in 2020 as part of the Ryan O’Reilly deal. He became an alternate captain for the Sabres, a role noted by Wikipedia.
The pattern: Thompson’s raw physical tools — 6’5”, 220 lbs — combined with a late‑blooming scoring touch (38 goals in 2021‑22, 47 in 2022‑23) make him one of the most physically dominant centers in the NHL.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Wife’s name is Rachel (née Blakely)
- Three children: Brooks (2022), Baker (2023), Indie (2025)
- Cap hit $7,142,857 on 7‑year $50M contract
- Christian faith
- Married July 2021
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth (not publicly disclosed)
- Full details of wife’s post‑soccer career
- Future contract or trade possibilities
- Children’s middle names (only first names confirmed via SI)
“I rely on God, and that’s what keeps me grounded.”
— Tage Thompson, in an interview with Sabre Noise
His faith moved from “going through the motions” to understanding a real relationship with Christ around age 13.
— Tage Thompson, quoted in The Christian Post
For the Buffalo Sabres front office, the choice is clear: Thompson’s continued development into a consistent 40‑goal scorer is essential to justify the $50 million investment and keep the team competitive through 2030. Without that production, cap constraints will tighten around a franchise that has made the playoffs only once since 2011.
Related reading: **Tristan Jarry**
For a detailed look at Rachel Thompson and their three children, the detailed look at Rachel Thompson and their three children provides further context.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tage Thompson’s net worth?
Net worth is not publicly disclosed, but his current contract guarantees $50 million over seven years, plus endorsements.
Does Tage Thompson have any siblings?
Yes, he has a brother and a sister, though their names are not widely reported.
What college did Tage Thompson attend?
He played one season at the University of Connecticut (UConn) before turning pro.
What is Tage Thompson’s jersey number?
He wears number 72 for the Buffalo Sabres.
When did Tage Thompson get married?
He married Rachel Blakely in July 2021.
What is Tage Thompson’s shooting hand?
He shoots right.
What is Tage Thompson’s career plus/minus?
His career plus/minus through the 2023‑24 season is -65.
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Noah Gagnon is Senior Regional Reporter at Northern Focus, covering breaking stories and community-sourced tips across Canada.