What's Happening?
The Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Kevin Labanc to a professional tryout contract. Labanc, who has played eight of his nine NHL seasons with the San Jose Sharks, spent the last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Over his career, Labanc has accumulated 84 goals, 153 assists, and 237 points in 512 games. His most successful season was in 2018-19 with the Sharks, where he scored 17 goals and provided 39 assists, totaling 56 points. The signing provides Labanc an opportunity to compete for a spot on the Hurricanes' opening-night roster during their training camp.
Why It's Important?
This move by the Carolina Hurricanes is significant as it adds depth to their roster with an experienced player like Labanc. His past performance, particularly his standout season with the Sharks, suggests he could be a valuable asset if he regains that form. For the Hurricanes, who are aiming for a strong season, Labanc's experience and potential contributions could be crucial. The tryout contract allows the team to evaluate his fit without a long-term commitment, providing flexibility in their roster management.
What's Next?
Kevin Labanc will participate in the Hurricanes' training camp, where he will compete for a position on the team's opening-night roster. His performance during the camp will determine whether he secures a spot with the team for the upcoming NHL season. The Hurricanes will assess his contributions and decide on his future with the team based on his showing during this period.
