San Jose Sharks 2020 NHL Draft Profile: C Thomas Bordeleau

The San Jose Sharks could pick Thomas Bordeleau in either the first or second round of the 2020 NHL Draft.

18-year-old American center Thomas Bordeleau could be an early-round draft target for the San Jose Sharks in the 2020 NHL Draft.

The sport of hockey runs through Bordeleau’s veins as both his father, Sebastien Bordeleau, and his grandfather, Paulin Bordeleau, are former NHL players.

This season, Bordeleau played 47 games for the U.S. National U18 team of the USDP. In that time, he scored 46 points (16 goals, 30 assists).

Bordeleau also suited up in 19 games for the USNTDP Juniors of the USHL. Once again, he was nearly a point-per-game player — scoring 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists).

Strengths

Although Bordeleau is small at just 5-foot-9 and 179 pounds, he has a well-developed frame that he uses to engage in every aspect of the game. He’s especially good at skating.

Bordeleau has great balance, which makes it hard for his opposition to knock him off the puck and helps him win battles along the boards and play in the dirty areas.

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In addition to his balance, Bordeleau has very good speed, acceleration, edge work, and agility — which he uses to get past defensemen on the rush and to great time and space for himself and his teammates.

Every one of Bordeleau’s shots is good, even his backhand. They’re all powerful, accurate, and have quick releases. Bordeleau also has the hockey IQ to know when to shoot, pass, and hold on to the puck.

He can make a tape-to-tape pass through a tight space due to his great vision and passing, slow down or speed up play as needed, use a defenseman as a screen for his shot, and even has the hands to make a move to get around a defenseman to taker a shot or make a pass.

Bordeleau’s play-reading ability and anticipation are very good as well. He knows where players will be and can make the correct play because of this. With all these skills, Bordeleau has the ability to quarterback a powerplay from the half boards.

Weaknesses

Bordeleau’s biggest issue is his defensive play. To be more specific, it isn’t bad, it’s inconsistent.

Most of the time Bordeleau is determined to play a very good game in all three zones. However, he is known to take some nights off and be caught flat-footed and puck watching.

Bordeleau can also become too eager. He sometimes leaves the defensive zone a bit early trying to create an offensive opportunity via odd-man rush or even breakaway.

San Jose Sharks Prediction

Bordeleau has the potential to be a top-six forward in the NHL and being ranked as high as No. 23 by eliteprospects.com and as low as No. 38 by Future Considerations he’ll most likely be drafted between the later half of the first round and the middle of the second.

I wouldn’t make Bordeleau the Sharks’ first choice with their first-round pick as there are better options that should be available. Instead, I think he’s a solid choice for their first second-round pick. Additionally, due to his size, he might be better served as a winger in the NHL.

If the Sharks do draft him, don’t expect to see him in the NHL for at least the next couple of seasons.

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Don’t expect to see him in even the AHL (at least until the end of its season) as he’s committed to playing of the University of Michigan next year.

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