San Jose Sharks Roundtable
Kevin Labanc Doesn't Know When He'll Play His Next Game; Writing On The Wall With Sharks
San Jose Sharks winger Kevin Labanc told reporters today that there hasn't been any communication with head coach David Quinn about when he will re-enter the lineup.
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports - Kevin Labanc Doesn't Know When He'll Play His Next Game; Writing On The Wall With SharksSan Jose Sharks winger Kevin Labanc told reporters today that there hasn't been any communication with head coach David Quinn about when he will re-enter the lineup.
"No, there hasn't been [any conversations with David]," Labanc said when asked if he and Quinn spoke about when he will play next. "Nothing more to elaborate on that."
Labanc has not played since March 17th, when the Sharks were on the road against the Chicago Blackhawks. He earned an assist in that game, giving him back-to-back games with assists.
Labanc was asked about his frustration regarding consistently not being in the lineup, even after the trade deadline.
"I don't know. I mean, I'm kind of past it. It is what it is, and we've got 12 games left. You know, do as I can. Control what you can on the ice and off the ice and just support the boys," Labanc said. "It's always fun being in the locker room with these guys. So I'm just enjoying my time with them."
Labanc has played 41 games and has two goals and seven assists this season. THN released a report earlier in the season that Labanc and the Sharks were working together for a trade.
"I think [Mike Grier] was trying [to get a deal done]," he explained. "Obviously, it is tough being in the position that I'm in. I haven't really been playing all that much, either, so that doesn't really help the case."
David Quinn said before Saturday's game against the Blackhawks that he wants to get Labanc into a game soon, but he didn't go any further than that.
"Certainly was thinking about playing him tonight," Quinn said Saturday morning. "Then I thought our lineup played well enough where really I couldn't take anyone out. I do want to get them back in, so it'll be sooner than later."
When asked if there had been any communication with Quinn other than when he might play, Labanc said there hadn't been any.
"No communication. It is what it is. Just take it day-by-day," Labanc said. "12 games left, and you do what you can to try and help the team win."
Labanc was then asked if it's hard for him to stay motivated to come to practice despite the lack of playing time.
"I'm just doing it for the guys and being there for them and trying to be supportive as much as I can. Whatever the coaches decide, that's on them," he said. "I'm just trying to help the guys get off this losing skid that we're on and try and get a couple more wins before the season ends."
He continued to stay confident in his game. He said he knows he can contribute to a team when in the lineup.
"I know I can play. I know I can contribute. I know what my skill set is. I know what it takes to be in that playoff-type environment and compete in those regular-season games where you need those points," Labanc said. "[If] given the opportunity, I know I can succeed."
Labanc's frustration is heard, but his love for the game and the San Jose Sharks haven't dwindled.
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