Tage Thompson exits semifinal for precautionary reasons, expected to be available for gold medal game

Tage Thompson did not take the ice for the third period of the United States' semifinal win over Slovakia, exiting the game for precautionary reasons after a first-period power-play goal and a blocked shot later in the second. The forward had a goal and an assist in just over 10 minutes of ice time before leaving the contest.

Tage Thompson sidelined in third period, precautionary lower-body concern

Team management described Thompson's exit as precautionary after he suffered a lower-body injury. He was not on the bench to start the third period, having been active earlier in the game, and was held out as the coaching staff evaluated his condition. The head coach indicated an expectation that Thompson will be available for the upcoming gold medal game against Canada on Sunday.

Performance at Milano Cortina 2026 and NHL form

Thompson has contributed three goals and one assist across five games at Milano Cortina 2026. His tournament production followed a strong club season, where he has accumulated 30 goals and 29 assists over 57 games in the 2025-26 campaign with his NHL team in his ninth season. Those numbers underline his role as an offensive presence for the U. S. lineup during the Olympic run.

Immediate context and what to watch before the final

The United States advanced to a gold medal matchup with Canada after a convincing 6-2 semifinal victory over Slovakia. With the prospect of a quick turnaround to Sunday’s title game, the coaching staff’s decision to keep Thompson out of the third period was framed as a protective measure to manage a lower-body issue and preserve his availability for the final if recovery allows.

• Game impact: Goal and assist in just over 10 minutes of ice time before exit.
• Injury protocol: Removed for precautionary reasons and held out of the third period.
• Tournament totals: Three goals and one assist in five Olympic games.
• NHL season context: 30 goals and 29 assists in 57 games during the 2025-26 season.

Coaches and staff are expected to monitor Thompson’s recovery in the hours leading up to the gold medal game. The decision to classify the withdrawal as precautionary suggests the team prioritized short-term recovery and game-readiness over risking further aggravation of the lower-body issue.

Thompson’s Olympic experience at this tournament includes his debut appearance and a notable impact on the scoresheet. He was previously omitted from a recent national squad selection earlier in the season, but at this event he has emerged as one of the Americans’ key offensive contributors.

With the final approaching, the development to watch is whether Thompson clears the team’s protocols and is cleared to play. If he is available, his scoring touch and power-play presence would factor into the United States’ approach against Canada. If not, the coaching staff will need to adjust lines and special teams plans for the title game.

Recent updates indicate Thompson’s status remains hopeful but subject to evaluation; details may evolve as the team provides further medical and availability information before the gold medal contest.