What's Next For Sharks' Kevin Labanc?

San Jose Sharks forward Kevin Labanc will be a UFA after this upcoming season, and trade rumors continue to swirl.

When the San Jose Sharks drafted Kevin Labanc in 2014, he was not expected to become a key piece of the future.

Drafted in the sixth round, Labanc worked his way up the ranks and eventually debuted during the 2016-17 season.

Since then, Labanc has had moments of brilliance and flash but hasn't been the same player since scoring 56 points in the 18-19 season.

Labanc signed a four-year contract with a  $4.725 million AAV back in 2020. That contract is set to expire after this next season, and Labanc has had trade rumors surrounding him.

With the San Jose Sharks having so many high cap-hit contracts with trade clauses, i.e., Erik Karlsson, Logan Couture, and Tomas Hertl, Lebanc has come to the forefront of shedding salary.

After his 56-point season, the 4.725 cap hit seemed like a steal, especially with more potential for development. 

As the 2023 NHL Draft approaches, Labanc's name should continue to surface.

In terms of value, the Sharks most likely won't get the return they wanted, given what they hoped the player would be. I could see maybe a team like the New York Islanders taking him on, as Labanc is a New York native.

They need some offensive skills, but they have limited draft capital to spend if they want to acquire the forward.

Another team that I think could go after Labanc is the Arizona Coyotes. An expiring deal for a semi-cheap offensive player could do well in a place that needs some identity. They have lots of draft capital as well. The Yotes have 15 picks within the first three rounds of the draft over the next two seasons.

A 3rd round pick and maybe a low-level prospect like, Milos Kelemen could do the trick. Kelemen is an undrafted forward and will have RFA rights after this upcoming season. 

Kelemen had 30 points in 59 games in the AHL last season. The Slovak has one assist in seven games during this year's IIHF World Championship.

The rumors about Labanc will continue to swirl the closer we approach the end of June, and it will be interesting to see what San Jose Sharks' GM Mike Grier plans to do with him.