Kevin Labanc leaves behind his PTO with the New Jersey Devils and signs with different NHL team
The Columbus Blue Jackets announced that they have signed forward Kevin Labanc to a one year contract worth $775K prying him away from the New Jersey Devils.
Max Miller of The Hockey News first reported the signing:
This move is unsual for Labanc who just signed a professional tryout contract (PTO) with the New Jersey Devils before training camp started. Labanc had a great preseason with the Devils, leading all players with six goals, including a hat trick in his final game on Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers.
By signing Labanc, the Blue Jackets have now surpassed the NHL's salary floor. The team had previously received league approval to temporarily remain under the $65M salary minimum after the tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau.
This is Labanc's first contract with a team other than the San Jose Sharks. Originally from Staten Island New York, Labanc was drafted by the Sharks in the sixth round (171st overall) in 2014. He made his NHL debut in the 2016-17 season and was a key player for the Sharks for several years.
Labanc had his best season in 2018-19, setting career highs with 17 goals and 56 points, helping San Jose reach the Western Conference Final, the team's most recent playoff appearance.
However, injuries shortened his 2021-22 season, and he only played in 46 games last season for a Sharks team that finished last in the NHL.
Labanc's new deal is a big pay cut from his previous four-year contract with San Jose, which had an average annual value of $4.725 million. In 478 NHL games, Labanc has recorded 82 goals and 143 assists for 225 points, along with 14 points in 30 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
