The New Jersey Devils brought in former San Jose Sharks forward Kevin Labanc on a PTO. Even with Dawson Mercer signed, Labanc will get every chance to make the team. That is what Devils President and General Manager Tom Fitzgerald told Labance before bringing him to camp.
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“When I sat with Kevin earlier because I allowed him to skate here in the summer with our guys, and I’m a worst-case scenario person. If I can handle worst-case scenario, then it’s okay with me,” Fitzgerald. “That’s a thumbs up. And I just told him, I said, if you go through the situation, we all know best case scenario, you make the team, you going to Prague with us, and that’s great. But if you can live with a worst-case scenario, then this is the right spot because I can guarantee you the opportunity to play in exhibition games. But I’m not sure another team can tell you, you can play. You’re gonna get three, that’s for sure, and hopefully more.”
Through the first couple of days, Kevin Labanc has looked good. He skated on a line with Tomas Tatar and Nico Hischier. He had a jump in his game. The former San Jose Shark would be a depth addition to the New Jersey Devils. There is potential for Labanc with the Devils. Everyone remembers his 2018-19 season, where he recorded 56 points (17 goals and 39 assists) in 82 games. Not to mention playing the role of hero in Game 7 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights.
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In that game, he became the first player in NHL history to have four points in one period of a Game 7. Labanc scored a goal and recorded three assists in a 4:01 span of the third period as the Sharks rallied from three goals down to defeat Vegas 5-4 in overtime.
Labanc was on a trajectory to score 20 goals and potentially be a perennial 25-goal scorer. That was not the case. His number dropped. His next best season came 2022-23 when he recorded 33 points (15 goals and 18 assists). That was the year he played with Timo Meier in San Jose before he was traded to New Jersey at the March trade deadline.
However, like the rest of the team, Kevin Labanc is motivated. He knows he can be part of a team that can make a deep playoff run this season. As Fitzgerald has shown throughout his tenure as GM of the Devils he is not afraid to add to a position of strength. As Fitzgerald stated, he will have chances to make the team and can’t wait to see what he can do.
“So I just, I think he felt the opportunity was there, probably the comfort of being around our guys for the past few weeks, but it’s a great opportunity for him,” Fitzgerald said. “So I am excited to see what he can do. And he’s an NHL player, so when you’re looking through your lineup, and you’re trying to fill holes, I’m sure it was a no-brainer to put Kevin up there with Nico.”
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Nobody would expect Labanc if he were to make the team to be the guy he was in 2018-19. That would be a bonus for the Devils. But if he makes the most of his opportunities, the Devils could get another 15-goal scorer added to their roster.
