Thompson looks to keep growing into role with Blues

HAZELWOOD, Mo. -- The evolution and growth of St. Louis Blues forward prospect
Tage Thompson
was evident at development camp last month.
Thompson, who played two seasons at the University of Connecticut before signing a three-year, $3.4 million entry-level contract with the Blues on March 7 and finishing last season with Chicago of the American Hockey League, took to heart what he learned last summer during his first development camp with St. Louis.

"I think the biggest thing is just comfortability," said Thompson, 19, the No. 26 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. "Last year coming in, it was just a little bit of nerves. I think that kind of goes away your second year. Just come in, have a little fun and try to be a mentor for the younger guys."
Thompson (6-foot-5) went from a lanky, 185-pound, 18-year-old center to a more polished 200-pounder who helped the United States win a gold medal at the World Junior Championship in January.
"I think the biggest thing for me is obviously filling out my frame, getting a lot stronger and faster," said Thompson, who stood out during the four-day camp with his speed, strength and puck distribution skills. "Every level is another step, so I think preparing for that, getting bigger and more mature, it's going to be my main focus throughout the summer. ... Have a good summer of training, and hopefully I'm ready when the time comes."

After scoring 32 points (19 goals, 13 assists) in 34 games with UConn last season, he had two points (one goal, one assist) in 16 AHL regular-season games and three points (two goals, one assist) in 10 games during the Calder Cup Playoffs. The points didn't come easily.
"I think my year in Chicago; I wouldn't say it's a bad year, it's just another step," Thompson said. "You're going to face adversity in your career, and I think that little stint there in Chicago is definitely going to help me down the road, prepare to play in the NHL because even when you make it, every day is a tryout because there's always someone trying to take your spot.
"It's always good to have that little adversity. If things are always going your way, it's not necessarily a good thing."
Thompson said he is at about 200 pounds and that he'd like to be 210 to 215 by the time the season begins. He is expected to be at training camp in September after playing in the 2017 Traverse City Prospects Tournament in Traverse City, Michigan, from Sept. 8-12.
"This is a huge summer for [Thompson]," general manager Doug Armstrong said. "I think July and August are huge months for him to see what type of foundation we can continue to build for him. He's obviously got size, he's got a great shot, but it's getting that body to the size where he can handle the grind of the NHL style of players."
Thompson knows he could play a full season in the AHL before reaching the NHL.
"Obviously I'm going to try and make it as far as the training goes, training back home in Connecticut and then come out [to St. Louis] probably a week or two before Traverse City," he said. "The plan is just to take it a step at a time. You can't rush it. Ultimately, it's going to be up to the staff when I play, so we'll see when the time comes."