Buffalo Sabres Giving Away Free Tage Thompson Bobbleheads

Fans can also enjoy outdoor watch parties, rally towels, and playoff yard signs as the team returns to the postseason.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:20pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the frenetic energy and movement of a hockey game, with the Sabres' logo and players' forms dissolving into vibrant brushstrokes.The Buffalo Sabres' long-awaited return to the NHL playoffs has the city buzzing with energy and anticipation.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Sabres are celebrating their return to the NHL playoffs with a series of fan giveaways and events. The first 15,000 fans at the team's final regular season game will receive a free Tage Thompson bobblehead. Outdoor watch parties with live music will be held at Canalside, and each home playoff game will feature a different rally towel giveaway. The team is also distributing free 'Let's Go Buffalo' yard signs at local Tops Friendly Markets locations.

Why it matters

The Sabres have not made the playoffs in 15 years, so this postseason appearance is a major milestone for the long-suffering franchise and its passionate fanbase in Western New York. The team is pulling out all the stops to energize the community and create a celebratory atmosphere around the team's return to the NHL's second season.

The details

The Sabres are giving away a Tage Thompson bobblehead to the first 15,000 fans at their final regular season game on April 15. Outdoor watch parties with live music will be held at Canalside, just steps from the KeyBank Center, for all playoff games. Each home playoff game will also feature a different rally towel giveaway, with 19,070 towels (one for each fan) distributed per game. Additionally, the team is handing out free 'Let's Go Buffalo' playoff yard signs at select Tops Friendly Markets locations on April 17, with Sabres alumni making appearances at the Orchard Park Road store.

  • The Sabres' final regular season game is on April 15, 2026.
  • The outdoor watch parties at Canalside will be held for all Sabres playoff games.
  • The rally towel giveaways will take place at each Sabres home playoff game.
  • The free 'Let's Go Buffalo' yard sign distribution will occur on April 17, 2026.

The players

Tage Thompson

A forward for the Buffalo Sabres who is the subject of the team's bobblehead giveaway.

Buffalo Sabres

The NHL hockey team based in Buffalo, New York that is making its first playoff appearance in 15 years.

Tops Friendly Markets

A regional supermarket chain based in Western New York that is partnering with the Sabres to distribute free playoff yard signs.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to be back in the playoffs and want to make this a truly special experience for our fans. The bobbleheads, watch parties, rally towels, and yard signs are just the beginning of the celebration.”

— Kevyn Adams, General Manager, Buffalo Sabres

What’s next

The Sabres will host the Boston Bruins in the first round of the NHL playoffs, with Games 1 and 2 taking place at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo.

The takeaway

The Buffalo Sabres' return to the NHL playoffs after a 15-year drought has the team and its passionate fanbase in Western New York buzzing with excitement. The team's creative fan engagement initiatives, from bobblehead giveaways to outdoor watch parties, are designed to amplify the celebratory atmosphere and create lasting memories for the community.