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NHL Rumor: Top insider confirms Sharks' Kevin Labanc likely to sign PTO with Devils
Reports say forward Kevin LaBanc is close to signing a professional tryout (PTO) with the New Jersey Devils. Sheng Peng from San Jose Hockey Now shared that LaBanc is expected to join the Devils on a PTO.
Peng wrote on Sunday:
"San Jose Hockey Now has heard that the ex-San Jose Sharks playoff hero will likely be signing a PTO with the New Jersey Devils."
LaBanc will attend the Devils' training camp to compete for a spot. He will also reunite with former Sharks teammate Timo Meier, who now plays for the Devils. Additionally, LaBanc will be closer to his family in Staten Island, which could help his performance.
Labanc struggled with two goals and nine points in 46 games last year. After a strong 2018-19 season with 17 goals and 56 points, he signed a four-year contract with the Sharks worth $4.725 million annually. His production has since declined, with a maximum of 33 points in each of his last five seasons. LeBanc will be playing his ninth NHL season if he earns a contract.
Kevin LaBanc is unsigned with San Jose Sharks due to other priorities
Kevin LaBanc's former team San Jose Sharks is on the verge of a major rebuild with forward Macklin Celebrini. Celebrini was picked first overall in the 2024 NHL draft. The Sharks hope for a major turnaround and have signed Tyler Toffoli and Alex Wennberg with the same hopes.
Celebrini showcased his talent in the 2024 Rookie Faceoff as the Sharks secured a 3-2 win over the Utah Hockey Club. The game held at Toyota Sports Performance Center featured promising young players vying for roster spots.
Luke Grainger scored the first goal for San Jose in the opening period, with assists from Lucas Vanroboys and Gannon Laroque. Goaltender Georgi Romanov made nine saves in the first period to keep Utah off the scoreboard.
In the second period, Utah tied the game with a goal from Peter Repcik. Utah took a brief 2-1 lead with a goal by Owen Allard in the third period. However, Macklin Celebrini tied the game with a power-play goal, assisted by Luca Cagnoni and Quentin Musty.
Ethan Cardwell scored the game-winner with under a minute left, assisted by Filip Bystedt and Nolan Burke. San Jose’s power play was effective, converting 2 of 6 chances, and their penalty kill was perfect.
The Sharks have felt a resurgence of hope and will likely make further adjustments to make the team competitive this season. Kevin Labanc was not in their rebuild plans.
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