According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, former Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kevin Labanc has signed a professional tryout (PTO) with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Labanc, 29, didn’t have the strongest season with the Blue Jackets last year. In 34 games, he recorded two goals and 10 assists. In February, he underwent season-ending shoulder surgery but is expected to be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.
Labanc signed a PTO with the New Jersey Devils last year before reaching a deal with the Blue Jackets as a bottom-six forward. He joined the club on a one-year contract worth league minimum.
Before his stint in Columbus, he spent eight seasons with the San Jose Sharks after being drafted by them in the 2014 NHL Draft. During that time, he scored 82 goals and 143 assists for 225 points in 478 games.
He now looks for another chance at the NHL level and will try to earn a new contract with the Hurricanes or another team. By signing a PTO, Labanc has put himself in a position where even if he does not reach a deal with Carolina, he can sign with another organization at any point during the 2025-26 preseason.
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