500-Game NHL Veteran Signs Overseas After Losing Opportunity With Hurricanes
Photo credit: Yahoo NHL
NHL forward Kevin Labanc, who didn't get a contract from the Hurricanes after failing to make the team on a PTO, is signing overseas in Russia.
Former San Jose Sharks forward Kevin Labanc, who spent last year with the Columbus Blue Jackets, couldn't get a contract with the Carolina Hurricanes after signing a PTO with them last month.
Instead of waiting for another chance in the NHL, he's decided to keep playing by signing in the KHL. He's signed with the Shanghai Dragons, who are coached by former Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Gerard Gallant, and also have former Blue Jackets defenseman Adam Clendening.
Dragons GM Igor Varitsky said that multiple KHL teams were interested in Labanc and that he's glad that he chose Shanghai.
We continue to strengthen our forward corps, focusing on skill, creativity, and scoring. Labanc is a top-6 caliber winger whose NHL career speaks for itself. He's a right-handed forward who thrives in offensive situations, generates chances, and finishes plays. He's also effective on the power play. Multiple KHL clubs were interested, so we're thrilled that Kevin chose to join the Shanghai Dragons.
-Igor Varitsky
-Igor Varitsky
Kevin Labanc Headed to Russia Aftee 512 NHL Games
Labanc was taken with the 171st overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks while playing for the OHL's Barrie Colts. He started his career with the AHL affiliate San Jose Barracuda before getting in his 1st NHL action in 2016-17.
He was part of the Sharks team that went to the WCF in 2019, which included him scoring a goal in Game 7 of the WCQF against the Vegas Golden Knights.
He has 237 points (84G, 153A) in 512 career NHL games with the Sharks and Blue Jackets.
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