SAN JOSE | Thomas Bordeleau’s goal was to play his first full season in the NHL. But in an environment like that of the Sharks, where defeats multiply, there was a risk of making bad tricks.
Bordeleau earned a spot at the end of camp with the Sharks. But on October 29 last year he took a different path, that of the San Jose Barracuda.
Before returning to the American League, Bordeleau had worn the Sharks jersey for six of the first eight games of the season. He scored one goal, had one assist, but had a -5 differential.
On a team like the Sharks, the negative difference wasn’t catastrophic.
At the time of his release from the farm team, the Sharks had a terrible record of no wins and eight losses (0-7-1).
If he wanted to continue the adventure in San Jose, the young 21-year-old striker understood his bosses’ decision.
“Yes, I had a hard time returning to the American League at first,” Bordeleau said in an interview with the Journal. This is not the ideal scenario. At the start of the year I found myself in the NHL with the Sharks, but we got off to a rough start. We lost all our games and barely touched the puck.
“It wasn’t fun. After a long journey I learned that I was to go down with the Barracuda. The Sharks managers wanted me to touch the puck more and regain my enthusiasm. I was kind of happy to go back to the American League. Morally it was difficult for the Sharks. There wasn’t a good atmosphere.”
Good numbers
Since leaving the Sharks, Bordeleau has received very simple instructions from his general manager.
“Mike [Grier] told me he wanted to see me control the game, touch the puck and regain my offensive touch.
Not only did Bordeleau touch the puck, he also added his name to the scoresheet. After seven games with the Barracuda, he scored five goals and provided three assists for eight points.
“I feel good and comfortable,” he said. I feel like I’m accomplishing my goal by making an offensive impact with the Barracuda. It’s fun to create that. I want to continue.”
When asked if he would remain patient with the Sharks regarding an impending recall, he didn’t have a definitive answer.
“I have no idea. I’m just focused on playing the best hockey I can. I want to return to the NHL at some point. It is my goal. But first I want to score goals, collect points and have fun on the ice.
Three generations
Paulin Bordeleau, Sébatien Bordeleau and now Thomas. Grandpa, father and son. Three generations.
On October 14, Thomas scored his first goal, becoming the third Bordeleau to score in the NHL. He defeated Alexandar Georgiev in a 2-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche.
“It was a bit of a relief,” he said, bursting into laughter. I couldn’t wait to score. It feels good. I had just won a job with the Sharks after camp. I wanted to have a good start to the season. I scored a goal in the second game. The goal made me lose a little weight on my shoulders. My parents were also in San Jose with me.”
Bordeleau scored his first goal in his 18th NHL game.