'I Was Upset To Say The Least'; Kevin Labanc & David Quinn's On Ice Relationship Is Disconnected

San Jose Sharks winger Kevin Labanc was scratched against the Nashville Predators and was upset with how everything transpired.

San Jose Sharks winger Kevin Labanc was scratched against the Nashville Predators and was upset with how everything transpired.

Reports have come out about Labanc and his agent working with the Sharks organization for a fresh start. There has been a clear disconnect between Labanc and Sharks head coach David Quinn.

"It was unfortunate. I was upset, to say the least," Labanc said today about his feelings of being told he was a scratch just before the game. "I had to talk to Quinn about that today, but nothing that he could elaborate on. I've just got to put my head down and work hard."

San Jose had three days of practice leading up to the game on Saturday, in which he skated with the third line. Givani Smith returned from injury, and Alexander Barabanov played after being a healthy scratch for one game, causing David Quinn to scratch Labanc. 

"Just a bunch of things. When you look at the lineup, it was a decision we made, but he'll be in the lineup tomorrow night," Quinn said after practice today.

The head coach doubled down on not explaining why Labanc was the odd man out but shed some light on why Labanc has been a scratch for much of the season. 

"He and I have talked a lot because it's been a tough go for him. I think we're in a good place, personally," Quinn explained. "There's a difference of opinion sometimes, as there usually is in hockey, and different opinions as a coaching staff. It's a subjective game, but I think we're in a good place."

Labanc skated with the third line in practice again today. Based on the line rushes, Smith looks like he will be the odd man out against the New Jersey Devils.

Based on Quinn's answer and Labanc's frustration, they have different philosophies on how Labanc's situation should be handled. The trade deadline is approaching, and Labanc is garnering interest, but the Sharks are handcuffed as they only have one contract retention spot remaining. 

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