The Carolina Hurricanes gave a tryout this preseason to a formerly highly regarded winger.
In the end, it didn’t work out.
Kevin Labanc didn’t make the ‘Canes, and he’s leaving the NHL entirely.
Instead, he’s signing with the Shanghai Dragons, the only KHL team based in China. That team announced the signing.
Labanc, 29, was a sixth-round pick of the San Jose Sharks in 2014 but quickly improved his stock. By his third NHL season, he put up 56 points.
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But the next season, he dropped to just 33 points, and after that point, he dealt with injuries, including a dislocated shoulder.
Before last season, the Sharks finally moved on, and Labanc ended up with the Columbus Blue Jackets. There, he played in 34 games and notched 12 points while averaging 10.5 minutes per night. He had shoulder surgery that ended his season in February.
This summer, Labanc’s main interest came from the KHL, with CSKA Moscow also reportedly interested.
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He tried to make it in the NHL with the tryout deal with Carolina, but he couldn’t stick.
Instead, he’ll go to the KHL to play for a former NHL head coach. Gerard Gallant is in charge of the Dragons.
Labanc will turn 30 in December, and it’ll be tough for him to get back to the NHL at this point, but he may get another shot next summer if this season in the KHL goes well.
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