Columbus Blue Jackets Sign Kevin Labanc

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed forward Kevin Labanc to a one-year, $775,000 contract.

Welcome to Columbus!

We’ve signed RW Kevin Labanc to a 1-year @NHL contract.

📝 https://t.co/qYIxlPgySL @RuoffMortgage | #CBJ pic.twitter.com/bKUtQsxdRp
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 5, 2024

Labanc, 28, was under a professional tryout (PTO) agreement with the New Jersey Devils. During it, the former San Jose Sharks forward was quite impactful, as he had an NHL-leading six goals during the playoffs. In addition, during his final preseason game, the skilled winger scored a hat trick.

According to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, the Devils offered Labanc the same contract but would have needed to place him on waivers and have him play in the AHL at first because of salary cap reasons. Thus, he has now found his home for the season with the Blue Jackets instead and will look to put up a solid bounce-back year from here.

Labanc had a rough year with the Sharks during the 2023-24 season, as he had two goals, seven assists, and a minus-27 rating. While it was a down year for the 2014 sixth-round pick, his past success suggests that he could improve his offense this campaign.

In 478 career NHL games over eight seasons, Labanc has 82 goals, 143 assists, 225 points, and a minus-88 rating.