New Jersey Devils Sign Former San Jose Shark Thomas Bordeleau
New Jersey Devils signed former San Jose Shark Thomas Bordal. Imagine the excitement and anticipation as a young hockey talent takes a significant leap in his career. Thomas Bordal, a 22-year-old forward, has just inked a one-year two-way contract with the New Jersey Devils, valued at $775,000. This move comes after Bordello was acquired in a trade for Shane Bowers and has spent most of his recent time with the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL. But here’s where it gets controversial. Bordello’s journey to the Devils is not just a simple transfer. It’s a story of potential and opportunity. Bordello’s performance in the AHL last season was nothing short of impressive. He scored 14 goals and 24 assists totaling 38 points in 59 games, placing him sixth in scoring for the Barracuda. Over his 161 career AHL games, he has accumulated 47 goals and 60 assists, making him a formidable player. His NHL debut came on April 2024 against the Calgary Flames, where he logged 1038 of ice. Selected 38th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2020 NHL entry draft. Bordello is a left-handed shot with 18 goals in 44 career games. He also played alongside Devils defenseman Luke Hughes during the 202021 season in the US national development program. If Bordello makes the roster, he’ll be reuniting with Hughes Gin Newark for the 202526 season. What does Bordalo bring to the Devils? Well, he’s a depth signing with significant potential. At just 23 years old, he hasn’t yet reached his NHL prime. If he makes the roster, he’ll add another layer of depth to the Devils, who are poised to take a big step forward next season. If not, he’ll be ready as an emergency callup should injury strike. This signing is a low-risk, highreward move for the Devils. With a fresh start, Bordello has the chance to shine in a new environment. His time in San Jose, though brief, didn’t offer many opportunities for him to showcase his skills. This new role gives him the space to settle in and perform consistently. During his postseason press conference, Fitzgerald highlighted New Jersey struggles with depth. Though, “I think players underachieve for sure.” He said, “I think players who have scored enough goals in this league to give assurance that we have depth scoring didn’t. I said it just moments ago. Scoring goals is extremely tough to do in this league. Sometimes I bang my head against the wall every day wondering really what is depth scoring. And this is the part most people miss. Bordello could very well be the answer to Fitzgerald’s depths scoring question. The signing of Bordello clears the way for the last remaining respective free agent on general manager Tom Fitzgerald’s list. Luke Hughes. The 21-year-old defenseman is a top priority for Fitzgerald. I talked to his agent Tuesday. We said, “Let’s enjoy the holiday weekend and we’ll start talking after.” He’s excited. He wants to be a Devil longterm, just like his brother, Jack. We’re excited about that. Players want to stay here. They want to be in New Jersey. The players want to be part of something we’re creating. The standards are getting higher with each tier, which is exciting. I don’t set anything other than Luke wants to be a devil for a long time. There are a lot of unknowns, but a lot of excitement that comes with that, Fitzgerald concluded. Jake Revard, a seasoned hockey journalist, has covered the Detroit Red Wings for various outlets, including AP 313 Free Hockey, winging in Mottown, Last Word on Sports, and the Hockey. Joined by his feline companion, Jimmy, Jake aims to spread the word of Hockey Town from coast to coast. More about Jake Revard can be found on his author page. Now, let’s discuss. Do you think Bordello will live up to the potential the devils see in him? Will he be the debt scoring solution Fitzgerald is looking for? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The New Jersey Devils have signed Thomas Bordeleau to a one-year, two-way contract valued at $775,000. Bordeleau, acquired in a trade for Shane Bowers, is a young depth forward who played the majority of last season with the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL. He made his 2024-25 NHL debut on April against the Calgary Flames. Bordeleau is a depth signing, but one with potential. At just 23 years of age, he has yet to hit his NHL prime. Should he make the roster, he’ll add another depth threat to the Devils, who are set to take a big step next season. If not, he’ll be an emergency call-up should injuries inevitably arrive. This is a low-risk, potentially high-reward signing for the Devils. With a fresh start, Bordeleau has a chance to show his stuff in a new setting.
