A reunion may be on the horizon in New Jersey following the Devils’ signing of forward Thomas Bordeleau. The 23-year-old played alongside Luke Hughes during the 2021–22 season at the University of Michigan. Once Hughes re-signs with the Devils, the two former Wolverines could share the ice once again.
Bordeleau signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Devils on July 24th, following a trade from San Jose earlier this month. The deal pays $775,000 at the NHL level and $100,000 in the AHL, with $125,000 guaranteed. A two-way deal means Bordeleau could start the season with the Utica Comets, giving the Devils flexibility with their cap space.
Prior to the trade, Bordeleau spent three seasons with the San Jose Sharks, primarily playing for their AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda. He was acquired on July 2nd in a swap for forward Shane Bowers.
While Bordeleau’s future is now secured, Luke Hughes, a restricted free agent, is still waiting on a new deal. The former fourth overall pick in 2021, Hughes, just completed his entry-level contract after a strong rookie season: 9 goals, 38 assists, and 47 points in 82 games. He was also a finalist for the 2023–24 Calder Trophy.
General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has made it clear that Hughes is a priority. At the team’s end-of-season media availability, he stated, “My number one priority is Luke Hughes,” and indicated that contract talks would begin after the July 4th weekend. However, 20 days later, no contract has been finalized.
If Hughes re-signs, he and Bordeleau won’t be the only Michigan reunion on the roster. Ethan Edwards, another former Wolverine, is currently with the Utica Comets. Edwards, who also played at Michigan in 2021–22, appeared in 10 games for Utica last season.
All that’s left for a full reunion is Hughes’ signature. Once that happens, Hughes, Bordeleau, and Edwards will officially be teammates again, this time in the Devils organization.
Photo Credit: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK