July 26: The Sharks officially announced a one-year, two-way deal for Bordeleau today.
July 25: The San Jose Sharks are reportedly close on a one-year contract with forward Thomas Bordeleau, per PuckPedia and Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now. The contract carries a cap hit of $874K, matching Bordeleau’s qualifying offer.
This marks Bordeleau’s second pro contract after spending his three-year entry-level contract bouncing between the AHL and NHL lineup. He made his professional debut following the end of the University of Michigan’s 2021-22 campaign, ultimately earning eight games in the Sharks lineup. He posted a productive five assists in the performances, and carried the strong scoring through his AHL rookie season in 2022-23, with 41 points in 65 games.
That production was enough to earn Bordeleau more consistent NHL ice time this season, though he struggled to do much with the opportunity, netting just 11 points in 27 games. The lull warranted a demotion to the minors, where Bordeleau added 25 points in 35 games. Still, it was a down year – as Bordeleau clearly struggled to adapt his high-tempo, high-skill style to a Sharks team under constant pressure.
San Jose is hoping to be much more competitive next season, adding star prospects Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith on top of naming Ryan Warsofsky their new head coach. That much turnover should give Bordeleau a renewed chance to plant his flag in the Sharks lineup, though he’ll need to take big steps physically to stand out on what’s bound to be a very young Sharks roster.
This has to be the year he has a break out..
Up to sharks to give him top minutes though.