The fifth-year forward took a team-friendly one-year, one million dollar contract last season. #NHLFreeAgency | #NHLonSN pic.twitter.com/mmqtMpBcIe. © 2020 National Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. Labanc signed an … Labanc, 24, scored a goal and set up three others in San Jose’s 5-4 overtime victory versus Vegas in the first round of the 2019 Western Conference playoffs. signed a paltry one-year, $1 million deal with the Sharks, Erik Karlsson went down for the season with a broken thumb, Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Over the Hill Gang, Pietrangelo, Simmonds & More, Jets Roster Hopefuls for the 2020-21 Season, Ottawa Senators Sign Evgenii Dadonov to Three-Year Contract, Lightning Director of Scouting Al Murray – Drafting a Cup-Winning Core. “It’s about where you’re going,” Wilson said. After betting on himself, Labanc’s reward is a $4.725 million AAV heading into next season. In 2016-17, he split time between San Jose of the American Hockey League and the Sharks. More than a year after taking a team-friendly contract to help the San Jose Sharks, New Dorp beach resident Kevin Labanc is finally cashing in. Powered by Minute Media © 2020 All Rights Reserved. “He’s a kid that responds when he falls,” Wilson said. The fifth-year forward took a team-friendly one-year, one million dollar contract last season. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images). “Kevin has shown a consistent ability to perform at a high level in both the regular season and the playoffs and he will be a big part of our club in the coming years.”. By Declan Schroeder October 10th, 2020. Team teal fans have seen this killer instinct before, including when he put four points in the magical game-seven victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. After betting on himself, Labanc’s reward is a $4.725 million AAV heading into next season. More than a year after taking a team-friendly contract to help the San Jose Sharks, Kevin Labanc is finally cashing in. There was an error, please provide a valid email address. All rights reserved. “His creativity makes him a player that other teams have to be aware of and we’re excited to see that at both five-on-five and on the power play.”. Kevin Labanc put up an impressive 17 goals, 39 assists, and 56 points that season, all of which are still career highs. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. A welcome email is on its way. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited. Whether he meets or fails to meet these expectations directly impacts the potential success the Sharks have going forward. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. Labanc has collected 149 points (50 goals, 99 assists) in 284 career games since being selected by San Jose in the sixth round of the 2014 NHL Draft. Labanc made it clear during the Sharks media availability that he is aware of the expectations. “This is forecasting Labanc to be a 60-point scorer for the next four years.”. Labanc signed an entry-level contract with the Sharks on March 9, 2016. The San Jose Sharks re-signed Kevin Labanc to a four-year, $18.9 million contract. “You work your whole life to get to this point in your career and the best way to handle pressure is by attacking it, and that’s what I plan on doing this season.”. “His creativity makes him a player that other teams have to be aware of and we’re excited to see that on display at both five-on-five and on the power play.”. Build your custom FanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis on San Jose Sharks and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. Kevin Labanc has cashed in on a four-year contract worth nearly $20 million. In the shortened 2019-2020 season, the New York native took a clear step back with 14 goals, 19 assists, and 33 points. “I look at pressure as a privilege,” Labanc said. Updated daily with news and features from over 130 writers worldwide. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. Labanc, a natural playmaker with a good work ethic, will be a player the Sharks rely on to return to competitiveness. Despite a bad Karlsson contract and losing captain Joe Pavelski in the off-season. © The Hockey Writers 2018. 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4. The pressure is on for both the Sharks and Labanc to prove that last season was a fluke and that this roster is still competitive. Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. San Jose Sharks forward Kevin Labanc signed a four-year contract extension, the team announced Saturday. “His Game 7 playoff performance last season is one of the most iconic moments in Sharks history and is a perfect example of the impact he can have on a hockey game. Erik and JD are joined by Sheng Peng to discuss Kevin Labanc’s new contract. New head coach Bob Boughner believes that his 2020-2021 contributions will positively impact the franchise. The Coyotes defeated the Sharks 6-3. Another down year could reflect poorly on his current contract and stature with the team. Last July, after notching an impressive 17 goals and 39 assists for 56 points in 2018-19, Labanc inexplicably signed a paltry one-year, $1 million deal with the Sharks after the summation of his entry-level contract. Labanc is due to take the next step and enter his career’s prime. “Banker adds some important ingredients to our lineup, especially with how we want to play going forward,” Boughner said.

More than a year after taking a team-friendly contract to help the San Jose Sharks, Kevin Labanc is finally cashing in. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. A perennial contender throughout the 2010s, the Sharks finished 29-36-5 in 2019-20 and sold off a number of assets for draft picks after Erik Karlsson went down for the season with a broken thumb and it was clear another long playoff run was not in the cards.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'thehockeywriters_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',664,'0','0'])); “Kevin brings a rare level of offensive skill and creativity to our line-up and has established himself as a top-six forward in our league,” Sharks’ GM Doug Wilson said in a news release. eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'thehockeywriters_com-box-3','ezslot_7',652,'0','0'])); General manager Doug Wilson emphasized the motivation behind the forward’s extension with San Jose. This deal is about the ingredients moving forward, and we’re excited for him.”.