The San Jose Sharks will need Bordeleau to be a key contributor for the future. Here's where his game can go to the next level.

When the San Jose Sharks drafted Thomas Bordeleau in 2020, he wasn't seen as a major prospect. 

Since that time, he has become a marquee piece of the rebuild. Drafted 38th overall, the Houston native did not sign with San Jose immediately. Instead, Bordeleau went to play two seasons at Michigan University.

Across the two seasons, Bordeleau had 67 points (20 goals, 47 assists) in 61 games.

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Bordeleau showed that his playmaking and stickhandling are his best attributes. When the second season ended in 2022, the Sharks brought him in for a brief showcase of eight games.

The highlight of that showcase was a shootout-winning goal against the rival Vegas Golden Knights that knocked them out of playoff contention. Bordeleau had five assists in the eight games.

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This season the 21-year-old spent most of his time in the AHL and finished the season with 22 goals and 19 assists in 65 games. He was also named an All-Star in the AHL.

Just like William Eklund, Bordeleau will need to help the Sharks in the goal-scoring department. He showed some skill with the one-timer, but ultimately his patience with the puck is what was at the forefront.

As seen in this clip, the San Jose Sharks prospect made sure he got the right moment for his shot. Watching the goalie each time Bordeleau got the puck, he would follow, but the one time he shot, the netminder was slow in getting across. 

Bordeleau was called up to the NHL on March 30 this season and played another eight games. Unlike a season ago, Bordeleau wasn't as effective, this time only mustering two assists. 

One thing to note, however, is that he was playing on the wing this time around. Bordeleau's natural position is as a centerman. Oftentimes this season, he was on the wing with Logan Couture.

According to Natural Stat Trick, Bordeleau played 1:50 at the center ice position. To be more successful, Bordeleau will most likely need to be in the center position. With Tomas Hertl and Couture occupying the top two center spots, it may be hard to break into the top six.

Bordeleau did show some kill during his cameo.

He seemed to be searching for the soft areas of the ice, which is alright, but he does need to drive play more. Again that could be because he was playing wing.

At 5v5, Bordeleau had 19 high-danger chances for compared to 24 high-danger chances against. He also only mustered nine shots while in the NHL. 

He has a pass-first mentality, but in order to be a difference-maker with the San Jose Sharks, Bordeleau needs to command the puck. When he has the puck, he must be decisive in what he intends to do next.

The skill and hockey IQ are there for the forward, but becoming more confident and utilizing his skill with a more direct approach is what can take his game to the next level.