Free agent forward Kevin Labanc signs new contract with powerhouse team
Former San Jose Sharks forward Kevin Labanc is set to sign a professional tryout (PTO) contract with the New Jersey Devils, according to reports.
Labanc, who played 478 regular season games and 30 postseason games for the Sharks, scored 82 goals and 143 assists throughout his regular season career. His best season came in 2018-19 when he posted a career-high 56 points. Following that season, he signed a one-year, $1 million contract. In the 2019-20 season, he recorded 33 points in 70 games, then secured a four-year, $18.9 million deal.
Unfortunately, Labanc was unable to repeat his 2018-19 numbers and is now a free agent. He played 46 games in the 2023-24 season, scoring two goals and adding seven assists.
The winger had issues with Sharks head coach David Quinn, leading to him being scratched from the lineup multiple times. Despite the challenges, Labanc made a memorable contribution in the Sharks' 2019 playoff comeback against the Vegas Golden Knights, scoring the fourth goal in a crucial power play and adding three assists in the game.
At 28 years old, Labanc joins a Devils team aiming to return to the playoffs. With stars like Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Nico Hischier leading the charge, Labanc could provide valuable scoring depth for the bottom six forwards. Meanwhile, the Devils are still negotiating a contract with restricted free agent Dawson Mercer, though no deal has been reached yet.
Credit: The Hockey NewsSharks' Kevin Labanc Will Sign PTO With Devils
| POLL | ||
15 SEPTEMBRE | 55 ANSWERS Free agent forward Kevin Labanc signs new contract with powerhouse team Do you think Kevin Labanc will earn an NHL contract with the New Jersey Devils? | ||
| Yes | 25 | 45.5 % |
| No | 30 | 54.5 % |
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