Sports
Former Sharks Winger Deserves At Least A PTO Somewhere
Former San Jose Sharks forward Kevin Labanc is a free agent and still hasn’t found a home but could be a candidate for a professional tryout elsewhere in the NHL.
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Labanc just endured arguably his worst season in the NHL. He and former head coach David Quinn didn’t see eye to eye, making Labanc a healthy scratch for the majority of the season. In the games he did play, the 2014 6th-round pick was not given much ice time, 11:37 per game. That TOI was the lowest of Labanc’s career.
In 46 games last season, Labanc scored two goals and seven assists. His career-high 17 goals and 39 assists in 2018-19 landed him a significant contract in 2020-21 after he took a team-friendly deal following his 56-point season.
His 19-20 season wasn’t quite the same as the 56-points the season before. He scored 33 points in 70 games.
From then on, Labanc’s production never reached the same heights from 18-19, and his $4.725 million cap hit was a massive overpayment.
Now on the UFA market for the first time, Labanc should still garner some interest, but last season’s lack of playing time hinders his chances as teams haven’t had a chance to see what the winger can do. If he is given a contract, Labanc won’t have nearly as high of a cap hit and could be a solid middle-six forward with offensive upside.
With what looks to be a lack of interest around the league for the 28-year-old, a PTO could benefit a team by getting a closer look at the forward. Despite his lack of offensive production, Labanc showed a work ethic when he was on the ice, which was the furthest thing from a distraction away from the game.
Related: ‘It’s Home’: Kevin Labanc Prepping For His Possible Final Sharks Home Game Of Career
The league has seen Labanc’s offensive upside, but he isn’t at the tail end of his career. A PTO might be the best thing for Labanc to continue his NHL career as the one-time 56-point scorer looks to find a home.
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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