Thomas Bordeleau

March 2023 – Bordeleau has jumped straight into a leading role for the Barracuda after two successful seasons at the University of Michigan. He is currently second on the Barracuda in goals with 20 in 57 games and he sits 5th in goals among all rookies in the league. Bordeleau has had very few growing pains throughout his transitions from the USNTDP to the NCAA, and now to the AHL, which bodes very well for his ability to take that next step to the NHL level. He remains one of the Sharks top prospects. Donesh Mazloum

May 2022 – Bordeleau represented team USA in Men’s Worlds in Tampere, Finland, where he had a pretty small role as he played in only 8 games and was scratched in 2. He averaged a bit over 9 minutes of ice time and notched two assists. What I liked in his game was his overall quickness, he has both very fast feet and hands and great edges. He has great puck skills, but unfortunately his 5-foot-10 frame was a problem along the boards. He doesn’t really seem to enjoy physical game which could be a problem in North American style. I think Bordeleau has solid upside to become a good playmaker, but he probably should play at least the next season in the AHL, developing his battle game and physicality. Eetu Siltanen

April 2022 – Bordeleau’s production in his sophomore year was a slight step backward from his explosive freshman campaign. However he still chugged along at a point per game pace for a loaded Michigan team, , with 36 points in 36 games this season. Bordeleau and the Wolverines enter the Frozen Four as the top overall seed and he will be looking to add an NCAA championship to the trophy case. Bordeleau’s next major career milestone may come if he chooses to forgo the rest of his college career and turn pro following the tournament. He will likely need a season of AHL seasoning however he still projects as a middle six skater with offensive upside. Donesh Mazloum

February 2021 – After being left off the eventual gold medal championship team at this year’s World Junior Hockey Championships due to Covid-19 protocol, Bordeleau has begun his tenure at the University of Michigan. The sting of the unfortunate circumstances that left him off the championship team must still be fresh because Bordeleau is playing some of the best hockey of his career. He leads his university squad in nearly every category of significance including shots on goal, assists, and points. He might be known more for his playmaking abilities but Bordeleau has begun to shoot the puck with purpose as well. Currently, he is only one goal back of the team lead with seven. His 25 points tie him for 12th in a very competitive NCAA. For reference, first-round phenom Cole Caufield leads the NCAA with 37 points but has played in six more games than Bordeleau this season. Exciting things are on the horizon. Fantasy owners in dynasty leagues should keep a close eye on the young American. It is not going to happen this season, but Bordeleau is trending towards becoming a pro very quickly. Alex Howes

December 2020 – In a shocking and highly disappointing twist, Team USA has released Bordeleau from their 2020-21 World Junior Championship roster. The 18-year-old looked to be a lock to play a third-line role in this year’s tournament. Sadly, Bordeleau’s training camp roommate, John Beecher, tested positive for Covid-19 shortly before final roster selections were announced. Due to strict Covid-19 protocols, Bordeleau’s prolonged exposure to Beecher during the training camp makes him ineligible to play. To date, the Sharks 2020 second-round pick has not tested positive for the virus. Alex Howes

October 2020 – After trading down during the second round of the draft, the Sharks selected Thomas Bordeleau with the 38th pick overall. The shifty centre comes from a long line of NHL heritage. His grandfather, Paulin, and great uncles, J.P. and Christian, are all former NHLers. Bordeleau does his best work when the puck is on his stick. His elusive skating and dangerous passing make him nothing short of a headache to defend every time he steps onto the ice. What sets him apart from other playmakers and makes him a potential fantasy asset in the future is his impressive shot. Bordeleau keeps goalies on their toes with his quick release and confidence to shoot from all over the offensive zone. His size remains the biggest question mark, but Bordeleau has plenty of time to hit the gym at the University of Michigan this year. Alex Howes

October 2020 – Bordeleau was selected 38th overall by the San Jose Sharks. Tony Ferrari

May 2020 – Thomas Bordeleau finished the year as the top scorer on the USNTDP U18 squad at almost a point-per-game with 46 points in 47 games. The creative forward may not stick at center when he gets to the NHL but he is a creative player who will be able to play on a team’s top-six and contribute as a shifty playmaker. He is on the smaller side and his strength will certainly need to improve because he can be knocked off the puck when going up against bigger and stronger defenders. Bordeleau may not have the top-speed that other smaller players have but he is a shifty and elusive skater who can weave in and out of traffic when utilizing his edges properly. The young American was a catalyst for the NTDP club night in and night out, often setting the tone offensively with Matthew Beniers (2021 draft-eligible). When Bordeleau is at his best, he is a crafty and skilled playmaker who has a good enough shot to keep netminders honest. He needs to work on getting bigger and stronger to help make him a consistently dangerous at the next level. He will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall and the NCAA should give him ample time to develop physically while taking a step up in competition. Tony Ferrari

October 2019 – Currently leading the USNTDP U18 team in scoring with 13 points in 13 games, Bordeleau has started the season hot. He has been one of the USNTDP constant threats and stands above most of what is a weaker US class for the 2020 NHL Draft. Bordeleau has a quick release and lethal shot that can beat a goalie from anywhere from the tops of the circles to the goal line. He isn’t shy to shoot, letting shots go from all over the offensive zone. The young American is a high-volume shooter who does a good job of taking shots from a variety of locations. He is an agile skater and takes unique and creative paths through the neutral zone and offensive zone. If Bordeleau continues to put up good numbers and has good showings at international tournaments, Bordeleau could begin pushing into first-round conversations. Tony Ferrari