Former San Jose Sharks top prospect Thomas Bordeleau got the fresh start he was looking for after he was traded to the New Jersey Devils over the summer.
However, the Sharks’ 2nd-round pick in 2020 told Kristy Flannery he requested a trade before the trade deadline of the 2024-25 season.
“Just wanted to see what was better for my development, my career, and my future,” Bordeleau told Flannery. “I wanted to have a chance, an opportunity set somewhere else. They weren’t able to do that before the trade deadline, but at least I was able to do that this summer.”
As a good journalist does, Flannery followed up with Bordeleau to ask whether the idea of a trade was mutual or a request from Bordeleau.
“It was one of those situations. It was me requesting it,” Bordeleau said.
The former San Jose Sharks forward emphasized he loved his time in San Jose. He just wanted a fresh start for his career.
“I was loving it there,” Bordeleau said. “Obviously, that is the place that drafted me. So many good relationships there. I definitely enjoyed my time in San Jose, but it was time for a fresh start for me.”
In return for Bordeleau, the San Jose Sharks received Shane Bowers, a former first-round pick of New Jersey. The Sharks had given Bordeleau a qualifying offer before the off-season deadline, allowing GM Mike Grier the flexibility to get something in return for the prospect.
The Devils would sign Bordeleau to a one-year, two-way contract shortly after the trade was completed.
The 23-year-old got few opportunities to play in the NHL, playing just 44 games spanning a four-season period. The forward had six goals and 12 assists.
Even during San Jose Barracuda exit interviews, the former Sharks prospect voiced his frustration with the lack of NHL opportunity in 24-25.
“For sure. If there’s no frustration, you shouldn’t be playing hockey. So yeah, there’s definitely frustration,” Bordeleau said. “That’s just the sport we play in. It’s a business.”
Bordeleau doesn’t appear to have any grudges towards the Sharks. His appreciation for his time in San Jose is apparent when he spoke to reporters at the end of last season and to Flannery.
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