Elliotte Friedman is reporting that Kevin Labanc will be heading to camp with the Carolina Hurricanes on a professional tryout (PTO). The former San Jose Sharks forward is hoping to land a contract and extend his NHL career.
Last season was not an easy one for Labanc. The 29-year-old suited up for 34 games with Columbus Blue Jackets, finishing with two goals and 10 assists before shoulder surgery in February shut him down for the year. The recovery went well, and he is expected to be available when the 2025-26 season gets underway.
It was the second year in a row that Labanc signed a PTO. He attended camp with the New Jersey Devils in 2024 before agreeing to a league-minimum deal with the Blue Jackets, where he was used mostly in a bottom-six role.
Labanc spent eight years in San Jose after being drafted by the Sharks in 2014. He totaled 82 goals and 143 assists for 225 points across 478 games with the team.
Now he is trying to show he can still contribute at the NHL level. With Labanc signing a PTO, it opens the door for not only the Hurricanes but any of the 31 other teams to sign him during pre-season or at the start of the 2025-26 season.
