Meet the latest New Jersey Devils: Thomas Bordeleau – Hockey Writer – New Jersey Devils

Amid the chaos of free agency starting July 1, deals also occurred throughout the free agent period. On July 2, the San Jose Sharks traded Thomas Bordeleau to the New Jersey Devil in exchange for Shane Bowers. So far, let’s take a look at Bordeleau’s profession in hockey.

Bordeleau starts in San Jose

Bordeleau began his NHL career in 2020 when he was selected as No. 38 by the Sharks. Although he was selected in 2020, he began his college career in the 2020-21 season. He played for the University of Michigan and participated in 24 games. He recorded 30 points with 8 goals and 22 assists. He continued his college career in 2021-22, playing 37 games. He recorded 37 points with 12 goals and 25 assists. However, his 2021-22 season was not completed after his college game. He played two games with San Jose Barracuda, the American Hockey League (AHL) branch of the Sharks. In both games, he recorded three assists and scored a loss of 1.

Bordeleau was also called to the Sharks and played his first NHL game on April 17, 2022. He recorded his first NHL assist and made a shot in the game. Bordeleau also conducted 19 shifts and spent 13:14 on the ice. He played seven more games in the NHL and received four assists for the rest of the season. The 2021-22 season was a huge game for Bordeleau, playing in three different leagues and participating in his first NHL game.

Bordeleau did not return to the University of Michigan during the 2022-23 season – his time at the NCAA has ended and he transitioned to playing professional hockey full-time. He played 65 games with the Barracuda and recorded 41 points with 22 goals and 19 assists. He was asked to enter eight NHL games and recorded two assists.

In the 2023-24 season, Bordeleau played 35 games with the Barracuda and recorded 25 points with 11 goals and 14 assists. He was summoned several times throughout the season and participated in 27 games. On October 14, 2023, Bordeleau scored his first goal against the Colorado Avalanche. In this game, he scored an additional 1 and shot three shots. He also conducted 17 shifts and timed on 12:36 ice (TOI). He has recorded ten more NHL points this season, in five goals and five assists.

Despite his outstanding performance in the season, Bordeleau spent most of the season in the 2024-25 season. He played 59 games in the AHL and recorded 38 points with 14 goals and 24 assists. He only played one NHL game on April 13, 2025. Bordeleau recorded a 10:38 TOI, performed 18 shifts and one shot.

Bordeleau shows a lot of hope

Although Bordeleau doesn’t have much NHL game, his experience in the AHL shows that he has great potential. He showed his performance, recording 115 points in 187 AHL games. Although he only played 44 games in the NHL, Bordeleau’s experience in the AHL left him with nothing.

Related: The Devil’s Best Contract 2025-26

The devil’s frontline is likely set at this point. With Bordeleau’s acquisition, he may spend time on Utica Comets, especially since Utica lost the striker at the Bowers. Because of his limited experience in the NHL, Bordeleau is likely to be summoned to the Devil in case of injury or illness. Anyway, playing with the Comet would be a great way to hone the skills that Bordeleau already has. As a 23-year-old, he still has time to develop his own game to reach full-time NHL level. Bordeleau will be a great addition to the Devil’s existing lineup.