Kevin Labanc Understands A Trade From The Sharks Is On The Table
San Jose Sharks forward Kevin Labanc has played 32 games this season and has been a healthy scratch for the last six, with trade rumors swirling.
Brian Bradshaw Sevald-USA TODAY Sports - Kevin Labanc Understands A Trade From The Sharks Is On The TableSan Jose Sharks forward Kevin Labanc has played 32 games this season and has been a healthy scratch for the last six, with trade rumors swirling.
Labanc will be an unrestricted free agent at season's end, and rumors of him getting moved at the March 8th trade deadline have been heard for some time.
"If it happens, it happens," Labanc said about the possibility of being traded. "The opportunity to play somewhere else, you just do as you're told."
Labanc is now in his eighth season as a full-time NHL player. He's shown he can be successful in the league. He has been in the top-six forwards for the Sharks for most of those eight seasons. He scored 56 points during the 2018-19 season.
"I know that I'm not playing, but I know what I'm capable of when I do get out there on the ice," Labanc said. "I still feel good, and given the opportunity, I know I can perform."
Sharks head coach David Quinn said that every day in practice is an opportunity for Labanc and other players to show they can play in the lineup. As to why Labanc hasn't proved it:
"We just think we've got 12 guys that have been playing better than him," Quinn said.
As for him possibly playing against the Winnipeg Jets tomorrow, Quinn said he hasn't made any final lineup decisions.
"We'll talk about that again today after practice. We watch every practice. It's funny; people always talk about I need an opportunity. Well, every day is an opportunity," Quinn said. "I'm not out there making my grocery list while practice is going on. I'm paying attention to what guys are doing and how hard they're working. Are they trying to do what they're supposed to do? That's all part of the equation. It's not just what you're doing games. You're getting evaluated with everything you do."
As a 28-year-old, Labanc said he understands the business side of hockey much more.
"I've been in this league for eight years now, so I kind of understand the business side of it. It's just an understanding that it's not working here; maybe go somewhere else and get a fresh start," Labanc said. "Maybe when you were younger, you thought you'd be with the same team for your whole career, but that's not necessarily the case. Not everyone can be Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Logan Couture, and Tomas Hertl."
While Labanc isn't saying he needs a fresh start, he clearly understands that he likely needs one to keep his NHL career going.
Labanc works hard in practice and will continue to do so. He hasn't complained or questioned; just put his head down and continued to work, which is all the coaching staff can ask for.
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