Thompson saw consistent ice time playing alongside close friends Casey Mittelstadt and Rasmus Asplund and turned in the most productive stretch of his young career, tallying seven goals and 12 points in 23 games beginning on March 29. His previous career highs for an entire campaign were seven goals and 12 points, set in 65 games during the 2018-19 season.
"I knew every time I was stepping over the boards what I needed to do," Thompson said. "That clarity and opportunity is something big for me and kind of running with that."
The road was not without its bumps. After scoring seven points in 11 games, Thompson was held to one assist in seven contests. He was baited into a cross-checking penalty during the third period of a one-goal contest against the New York Rangers on April 27 and only played 7:42 the following game against Boston. Granato told him he would need to wait his turn for more ice time.
Two games later, Thompson tallied a goal and an assist against the New York Islanders.
"He was ready for his next opportunity," Granato said.
Thompson will continue playing at the World Championship with Team USA, which opens its tournament Saturday. He plans to use the remainder of the offseason continuing to add size in an effort to become more of a threat around opposing nets.
He expects the confidence to carry over from his final 23 games, as does Granato.
"He's put a lot of work in," Granato said. "He hasn't gotten a lot of reward over the last couple of years. And now, seeing goals come more frequently, you see the light at the end of the tunnel. ... But you feel better about yourself, and obviously, it does help to elevate your expectations, your self-expectation, your demand for more, your appetite for more.
"And that would go perfectly with going into the summer. … He knows he can do more now and pushes his training harder with that focus. So, it's all positive as long as the work ethic stays, and I don't see that being an issue with Tage at all."
