CONFIRMED: New Jersey Devils, Kevin LaBanc Nearing PTO

According to a report, the New Jersey Devils are nearing a professional tryout agreement with forward Kevin LaBanc.

San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng reports he “has heard that the ex-San Jose Sharks playoff hero will likely be signing a PTO with the New Jersey Devils.”

New Jersey Hockey Now has since confirmed the report with multiple sources.

Kevin LaBanc is a 28-year-old forward who will be going into his ninth NHL season if he earns a contract with the Devils. The New York native struggled last season by scoring just two goals and nine points in 46 games.

One year after a breakout 2018-19 season, LaBanc signed a four-year contract with the San Jose Sharks which carried a $4.725 million average annual value. In the 2018-19 season, the former Sharks forward potted 17 goals and 56 points in 82 games.

However, LaBanc has steadily declined in terms of production, scoring a max of 33 points (twice) in the following five seasons.

Despite LaBanc’s struggles to return to his 50-plus point self, his confidence as a hockey player seemingly hasn’t wavered.

“I still have a lot of confidence,” Labanc explained to San Jose Hockey Now last season. “For me, however many minutes you play, you try to do what you can with the puck. Just work hard, throw the body, and do everything you can to try and get this team [going].”

LaBanc now has a chance to come into the Devils’ training camp to earn another opportunity in the NHL. He’ll be familiar with former Sharks forward, Timo Meier, who LaBanc played with before the Swiss forward was traded to the Devils.

Now with a chance to play closer to home where LaBanc’s parents still reside in Staten Island, perhaps some home cooked meals will see the forward return to his former 50-point self and impress Sheldon Keefe and Co.