"Labanc is a former sixth-round pick, selected No. 171 overall in 2014 by the San Jose Sharks. He broke into the NHL in 2016-17, playing in 55 games that year. He had a great year in 2017-18, playing in 77 games, scoring 11 goals, and adding 29 assists. The next season, he had the best season of his career. That year, he lit the lamp 17 times and added 39 helpers, good for 56 points. Labanc has not been at the same level of production since."
"After not being re-signed by the Sharks following the 2023-24 season, he signed a professional tryout offer with the New Jersey Devils but did not make the team. He did get a contract from the Columbus Blue Jackets, playing in 34 games in 2024-25 with the Jackets. A PTO contract gives no guarantees. It is for unsigned players who have yet to sign a guaranteed contract in the NHL."
"Labanc has seen a major decline in his production in recent years. He did add 12 points in 2024-25, but in the last four seasons, he has not played more than 50 games, scored more than three goals, or had more than 12 points in three of the four years. Furthermore, the forward has played primarily right wing his entire career. Andrei Svechnikov, Jackson Blake, and Logan Stankoven have the top three right-wing spots."
Kevin Labanc signed a professional tryout (PTO) with the Carolina Hurricanes after not being re-signed by the San Jose Sharks and a short stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Labanc was a sixth-round pick in 2014 who totaled 56 points in 2018-19 but has seen declining production since. He recorded 12 points in 2024-25 across 34 games. A PTO carries no guarantees and typically covers evaluation during training camp. Labanc has primarily played right wing and will face competition behind established Hurricanes right wings for a depth role; he projects as a serviceable fourth-line option.
Read at Yahoo Sports
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