Forward Kevin Labanc, seen here in action, is now vying for a roster spot with the Carolina Hurricanes on a professional tryout.
In the relentlessly competitive world of professional hockey, few opportunities are as starkly merit-based as the Professional Tryout (PTO). These short-term agreements offer players a chance to showcase their skills during training camp, with no guarantee of an NHL contract. For veteran forward Kevin Labanc, his recent move to join the Carolina Hurricanes on a PTO represents not just another training camp, but a critical juncture in a career marked by both promise and recent adversity.
A Season Interrupted and a Path to Redemption
Labanc, 29, arrives in Carolina following a challenging 2024-25 season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. His tenure there, on a one-year minimum contract, was cut short by shoulder surgery in February, limiting him to just 34 games. During that span, his offensive production—two goals and ten assists—and average ice time, a career-low 10:30, reflected a player struggling to find his footing. This was a stark contrast to his earlier years.
“For Kevin Labanc, this isn`t just a tryout; it`s an opportunity to rewrite a narrative, to demonstrate that the skill and tenacity that once defined his play are still very much present.”
Drafted 171st overall by the San Jose Sharks in 2014, Labanc had once been a beacon of offensive potential. His 2018-19 season, where he tallied 17 goals and 39 assists for 56 points, cemented his reputation as a solid developmental forward capable of contributing significant offense. Over eight seasons with the Sharks, he amassed 84 goals and 153 assists for 237 points in 512 NHL games. Yet, his production has steadily declined since that peak, leading to his departure from San Jose and a single, injury-marred season in Columbus.
The Hurricanes` Calculated Gamble
For the Carolina Hurricanes, a team perennially contending for the Stanley Cup, a PTO for a player like Labanc is a classic low-risk, potentially high-reward maneuver. The Hurricanes are known for their meticulous scouting, their emphasis on speed, skill, and system adherence, and their ability to extract value from undervalued assets. They are not simply looking for bodies; they are seeking specific fits that can elevate their already formidable forward corps.
Labanc`s skillset, when healthy and engaged, includes decent offensive instincts and playmaking ability from the right wing. If he can demonstrate that his shoulder is fully recovered and that he can recapture even a fraction of his 2018-19 form, he could provide valuable secondary scoring, particularly in a depth role. The Hurricanes operate with an assertive, forechecking system that demands high energy and responsible play – attributes Labanc will need to showcase consistently.
What`s at Stake for Labanc?
For the Brooklyn, N.Y., native, this tryout is a crucial opportunity to extend his NHL career. A strong showing could lead to a two-way contract or, ideally, a one-year, one-way deal that keeps him in the league. The competition will be fierce; Labanc will be battling not only other PTO candidates but also younger prospects eager to make their mark and established depth players looking to secure their roster spots. His challenge is multifaceted:
- Health: Proving the shoulder injury is fully behind him, allowing him to play at a high intensity.
- Consistency: Demonstrating sustained effort and execution throughout the grueling training camp schedule.
- System Fit: Adapting to the Hurricanes` high-paced, structured defensive and offensive schemes.
- Impact: Making a noticeable difference in exhibition games and drills, particularly in offensive zones.
The beauty of the PTO system, for both player and team, lies in its simplicity: performance dictates outcome. There are no long-term commitments, no complex contract negotiations upfront. It’s a pure audition, a crucible where talent meets opportunity. For Labanc, who has tasted the heights of NHL production and faced the lows of injury and declining output, Carolina represents a chance to prove he`s still an impactful player, not just a statistic in a tale of potential unfulfilled. The hockey world will be watching to see if he can seize this pivotal moment.
Tristan Blackwood