Former San Jose Sharks ahead Kevin Labanc is a free agent and nonetheless hasn’t discovered a house however may very well be a candidate for an expert tryout elsewhere within the NHL.
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Labanc simply endured arguably his worst season within the NHL. He and former head coach David Quinn did not see eye to eye, making Labanc a wholesome scratch for almost all of the season. Within the video games he did play, the 2014 Sixth-round choose was not given a lot ice time, 11:37 per sport. That TOI was the bottom of Labanc’s profession.
In 46 video games final season, Labanc scored two targets and 7 assists. His career-high 17 targets and 39 assists in 2018-19 landed him a major contract in 2020-21 after he took a team-friendly deal following his 56-point season.
His 19-20 season wasn’t fairly the identical because the 56-points the season earlier than. He scored 33 factors in 70 video games.
From then on, Labanc’s manufacturing by no means reached the identical heights from 18-19, and his $4.725 million cap hit was a large overpayment.
Now on the UFA marketplace for the primary time, Labanc ought to nonetheless garner some curiosity, however final season’s lack of taking part in time hinders his probabilities as groups have not had an opportunity to see what the winger can do. If he’s given a contract, Labanc will not have practically as excessive of a cap hit and may very well be a stable middle-six ahead with offensive upside.
With what appears to be like to be a scarcity of curiosity across the league for the 28-year-old, a PTO may gain advantage a group by getting a better take a look at the ahead. Regardless of his lack of offensive manufacturing, Labanc confirmed a piece ethic when he was on the ice, which was the furthest factor from a distraction away from the sport.
Related: ‘It’s Home’: Kevin Labanc Prepping For His Possible Final Sharks Home Game Of Career
The league has seen Labanc’s offensive upside, however he is not on the tail finish of his profession. A PTO is likely to be the very best factor for Labanc to proceed his NHL profession because the one-time 56-point scorer appears to be like to discover a house.
GM Mike Grier confirmed Labanc’s time as a member of the San Jose Sharks is over.
Related: Sharks To Let Three Veterans Hit Free Agent Market
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