Devils News
Ballyhooed Sharks Forward Gets Fresh Start in New Jersey via Devils Trade
Thomas Bordeleau, a skilled, undersized forward, gets a fresh start in his young career with the Devils.
The New Jersey Devils acquired forward Thomas Bordeleau from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for depth forward Shane Bowers, bolstering their roster with a promising young talent. The 23-year-old restricted free agent, a second-round pick (38th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft, brings significant upside to New Jersey’s bottom-six forward group. Despite his undersized nature at 5-foot-10, Bordeleau comes with a plethora of skill.
READ MORE: Devils Address Depth Scoring, Sign Evgenii Dadonov
The crafty center/winger, has shown offensive prowess in the AHL, amassing 107 points (47 goals, 60 assists) in 161 games with the San Jose Barracuda, including 38 points (14 goals, 24 assists) in 2024-25. His NHL experience includes 44 games with the Sharks, where he recorded 18 points (6 goals, 12 assists). A former AHL All-Star (2023) and Big 10 Rookie of the Year (2020-21) at Michigan, Bordeleau’s playmaking and skating ability make him an appealing addition for the Devils.
In his draft year, Bordeleau’s EliteProspects profile reads, :While clocking in at just 5-foot-9, Bordeleau uses exceptional speed and puck protection habits to make an impact in the offensive zone. He’s at his best carrying the puck on the perimeter, scanning the defence, waiting for a passing opportunity to open up, and striking with extreme precision to a waiting teammate.”
The Devils trade offers Bordeleau a fresh start in Newark, where he’ll compete for a roster spot alongside prospects like Arseni Gritsyuk. His connection to current Devil Luke Hughes, a former Michigan teammate, should ease his transition now on the East Coast. Meanwhile, Bowers, a 2017 first-round pick, heads to the San Jose Sharks with 17 points in 65 AHL games last season.
Now with Cody Glass locked up, the Devils’ center depth runs pretty deep with Bordeleau in the picture. He could push for a roster spot out of training camp in the fall. However, he will fall behind Glass, Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and potentially Dawson Mercer.
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