In the relentlessly competitive world of professional hockey, opportunities are often earned, sometimes gifted, but rarely infinite. For forward Kevin Labanc, a familiar face with a recent history of injury and declining production, a fresh opportunity has emerged in the form of a professional tryout (PTO) with the Carolina Hurricanes. This isn`t just a routine training camp invitation; it`s a high-stakes audition for a player looking to reclaim his stride and prove his NHL worth.
The Rollercoaster Career of Kevin Labanc
At 29 years old, Kevin Labanc`s career has seen its share of peaks and valleys. Drafted 171st overall in the sixth round of the 2014 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks, he defied expectations to become a consistent NHL player. His breakout season came in 2018-19, where he tallied an impressive 56 points (17 goals, 39 assists) for the Sharks, showcasing his offensive instincts and playmaking ability. He appeared to be a fixture in a top-six forward role, a true diamond unearthed from the later rounds of the draft.
However, the years that followed saw a gradual decline in his offensive output. After eight seasons with San Jose, Labanc signed a one-year, minimum contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets for the last season. His tenure there was unfortunately cut short by a shoulder injury in February, limiting him to just 34 games where he managed two goals and ten assists. His average ice time plummeted to a career-low 10:30 per game, a stark contrast to his more prominent role in San Jose. The injury requiring surgery was a significant setback, adding another layer of uncertainty to his professional future.
Carolina`s Calculated Risk: Seeking Depth and Redemption
The Carolina Hurricanes, perennial contenders known for their meticulous team building and “Swarm” mentality, are not in the business of charity. Their decision to offer Labanc a PTO is a calculated move. The Hurricanes are a team on the cusp, consistently making deep playoff runs but still searching for that elusive final “next step” to hoist the Stanley Cup. Adding depth, particularly on the wings, is a continuous objective, and a PTO offers a no-risk proposition to evaluate a player`s potential.
For the Hurricanes, the appeal of Labanc lies in his proven offensive upside from earlier in his career. While his recent numbers are concerning, the potential for a rebound—especially if he is fully recovered from shoulder surgery—is tempting. If Labanc can demonstrate a return to form, even a fraction of his 2018-19 production, he could provide valuable secondary scoring and veteran presence at an incredibly team-friendly cost. It`s a pragmatic approach: invite a player with a high ceiling but a low floor, and let the training camp battles determine his fate. Essentially, they`re looking for a bargain bin gem, and Labanc might just be that if the stars align.
The High Stakes of a Professional Tryout
For Labanc, this PTO represents more than just a chance to play hockey; it`s an opportunity for professional redemption. After a season curtailed by injury and a period of declining performance, the tryout is his pathway back to regular NHL employment. He will arrive in Carolina knowing that every shift, every drill, and every pre-season game is a crucial test. He needs to prove not only that his shoulder is fully healed but also that he can still play at the pace and intensity required by a Cup-contending team.
The narrative of an experienced player fighting for a roster spot against younger, hungrier prospects is a staple of training camps. Labanc will need to demonstrate that his offensive creativity and puck-handling skills remain intact, and perhaps more importantly, that he can adapt to the Hurricanes` demanding defensive system. It`s a do-or-die scenario for a player who, just a few seasons ago, was considered a reliable offensive contributor. The clock is ticking, and the competition will be fierce.
Conclusion: A Potential Win-Win Scenario
The Kevin Labanc PTO with the Carolina Hurricanes is a classic example of low-risk, potentially high-reward maneuvering in the NHL. For the Hurricanes, it`s a smart way to explore additional depth without committing valuable cap space or roster spots. For Labanc, it`s a lifeline, a chance to reignite a career that has recently sputtered. If he can recapture even a sliver of his past offensive prowess and prove his physical readiness, both player and team could reap significant benefits. Otherwise, it will be another chapter in the story of a player whose once-promising career took an unfortunate turn. All eyes will be on Labanc when training camp opens, as he vies for one last shot at proving he belongs in the NHL.
Percy Harlow 
Ellis Thorne