J. P. Bordeleau

J. P. Bordeleau spent his entire career in Chicago.

Jean-Pierre, the brother of both Christian and Paulin Bordeleau and the uncle of Sebastien Bordeleau, is the most successful of the Bordeleau NHL clan. He played in 519 NHL games, scoring 97 goals and 223 points. In 48 playoff contests he added 3 goals and 9 points.

The native of Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec was quite the celebrated junior player, especially following a strong performance in the playoffs where the OHA's Montreal Junior Canadiens to the Memorial Cup championship in 1969.

Because of his strong play that spring, Bordeleau was chosen 13th overall by the Chicago Black Hawks in the 1969 Amateur Draft. That first round draft included talent like Ivan Boldirev, Moose Dupont and Bordeleau's junior teammates Rejean Houle and Marc Tardif.

It was not until the 1972-72 season that Bordeleau became a NHL regular. He spent the better part of three seasons in the minor leagues learning English and how to play the much more physical professional game. His efforts were rewarded with a 41 goal season with Dallas of the CHL, and an Allan Cup championship in 1972.

The following year Bordeleau made the jump to the NHL, scoring a career high 15 goals and helping Chicago reach the Stanley Cup finals.

Bordeleau would continue to play in Chicago until 1980, matching his 15 goal season three more times. For the most part he was a very unheralded role player.

In 1980 his tenure with Chicago came to a close. Long time teammate Keith Magnuson took over as coach and he did not get along with all of his former teammates. Bordeleau was banished to the AHL minor league affiliate in New Brunswick for two seasons.

Bordeleau never got a chance to return to the NHL. A slash by young Clint Malarchuk forced Bordeleau to retire because he had no feeling in his right upper leg.

Sadly, Bordeleau received no compensation from the NHL, NHLPA or NHL Alumni association.

Bordeleau has done okay for himself since. He began by selling insurance before opening a Tim Hortons franchise in 1985.