The Carolina Hurricanes are looking to strengthen their roster, potentially adding depth to their forward lines. Right-winger Kevin Labanc is set to join the Hurricanes on a professional tryout (PTO), as reported by Sportsnet`s Elliotte Friedman.
The 29-year-old Labanc is a consistent forward. Last season, he accumulated 12 points (2 goals, 10 assists) in 34 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but his season was cut short in February due to shoulder surgery. His average ice time was a career-low 10 minutes and 30 seconds.
Before signing a one-year minimum contract with the Blue Jackets, Labanc spent eight years with the San Jose Sharks. Once considered a promising developing forward, he achieved his career-best season in 2018-19 with 56 points (17 goals, 39 assists). However, his production has declined in recent years.
A Brooklyn, N.Y., native, Labanc was drafted 171st overall in the sixth round of the 2014 draft. Throughout his NHL career, he has played 512 games, scoring 84 goals and providing 153 assists, totaling 237 points.
