According to Belarus Hockey, it appears that former San Jose Sharks forward Kevin Labanc may be making the jump to play in the Kontinental Hockey League.

CSKA Moscow is reportedly interested in the 29-year-old forward who had a disappointing stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets last season. In 34 games in Columbus, Labanc had 12 points and averaged under 11 minutes of ice time per night under their head coach Dean Evason. His season came to an abrupt end in February, when he was placed on the injured reserve after having shoulder surgery.

Labanc’s best years undoubtedly came as a member of the Sharks, putting up 56 points in 82 games during the 2018-19 season. He was never able to duplicate that season though, and saw his ice time diminish in the following seasons.

Toward the end of his tenure in teal, he had some bright moments but was unable to stick in the lineup consistently, especially under David Quinn during the 2023-24 season, when he only played 46 games.

Over the course of his NHL career, Labanc has played 512 games, 478 of which came with the San Jose Sharks. In those 512 games, he has scored 84 goals and totaled 237 points.

If Labanc does sign with CSKA Moscow, he’ll join former San Jose Sharks defenseman Nikita Okhotiuk, former San Jose Barracuda alternate captain Cole Cassels, and quite a few players with ties to the Blue Jackets organization.

Photo Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images