Kevin Labanc’s Opportunity for Redemption with the Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets made a shrewd offseason move by signing winger Kevin Labanc to a one-year, $775,000 contract after his impressive preseason stint with the New Jersey Devils on a professional tryout (PTO). Labanc lit up the preseason with 6 goals and 7 points in just 4 games, showcasing his offensive potential and reminding the NHL world of the scoring touch that once made him a key player for the San Jose Sharks. What makes this signing even more interesting is the recent announcement that forward Dmitri Voronkov will be sidelined long-term with an upper-body injury. This unfortunate news leaves a significant hole in the Blue Jackets middle-six forward group, opening the door for Labanc to step in and revitalize his NHL career.

Labanc’s Rollercoaster Career

Kevin Labanc is no stranger to NHL success. After breaking into the league with the Sharks in 2016, he quickly established himself as a reliable offensive contributor. His best season came in 2018-19 when he posted a career-high 56 points (17 goals, 39 assists) in 82 games, earning a reputation as a skilled playmaker with a strong shot. That performance led to a one-year, $1 million “team-friendly” deal, with the understanding that a more lucrative contract would follow.

However, things didn’t go as planned for Labanc. His production dipped after signing a four-year, $18.9 million extension in 2020. Injuries, inconsistent play, and the overall decline of the Sharks as a team contributed to his struggles. By the end of his tenure in San Jose, Labanc had fallen down the depth chart and was no longer considered a core piece of their future. This offseason, he found himself without a contract and needing to prove he still had the talent to compete at the NHL level.

A Preseason to Remember

Labanc’s PTO with the Devils was exactly what he needed to remind teams of his offensive upside. His 6 goals in 4 preseason games demonstrated that his scoring touch had not vanished. Labanc was not just scoring; he was generating offense in a variety of ways. Whether it was quick release shots from the high slot, crashing the net, or finishing off well-timed passes, Labanc looked like a player determined to earn a roster spot.

His performance with the Devils undoubtedly caught the eye of Columbus, a team in need of offensive depth. Signing Labanc to a league-minimum contract represents a low-risk, high-reward scenario for the Blue Jackets. If Labanc can replicate his preseason form, Columbus will have added a capable winger at an incredible value.

Filling the Void Left by Voronkov’s Injury

Dmitri Voronkov, the towering 6’5″ Russian forward, was expected to bring a mix of size, skill, and versatility to the Blue Jackets middle-six. However, his long-term absence due to an upper-body injury leaves a significant gap in Columbus forward group. This creates an opportunity for Labanc to step into a key role and earn regular minutes.

Labanc has experience playing both wings, making him a versatile option for head coach Dean Evason. With Voronkov sidelined, there is now an opening for Labanc to secure a spot on the Blue Jackets third line, possibly alongside players like Cole Sillinger or Yegor Chinakhov. His ability to contribute offensively and play on the power play gives him a chance to make an immediate impact.

A Fresh Start in Columbus

Columbus represents a fresh start for Labanc, a chance to hit the reset button after several frustrating seasons in San Jose. The Blue Jackets, under general manager Don Waddell, have built an intriguing roster with a mix of young talent and veteran leadership. Adding Labanc to the mix provides an additional scoring threat and veteran presence to help support their young forwards, such as Kent Johnson, Adam Fantilli, and Kirill Marchenko.

Moreover, Columbus has lacked consistent offensive depth beyond their top six in recent years. If Labanc can rediscover the form that made him a 50+ point player, he could provide the Blue Jackets with much-needed secondary scoring. He also has the opportunity to earn more ice time if he establishes himself as a reliable offensive option, especially given the sparsity of the current top-six forward group.

A Prove-It Year

This one-year contract represents a “prove-it” deal for Labanc, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for him. At just 28 years old, he still has plenty of hockey left in him, but he needs to show that he can consistently perform at a high level. The Blue Jackets offer him a stage to do just that, especially with uncertainty among the forward lines.

Labanc will likely see time on Columbus second power-play unit, where his vision and playmaking abilities can be maximized. If he can find chemistry with his linemates and produce offensively, he could parlay this one-year deal into a more permanent role with the team—or with another club—next offseason.

Final Thoughts

The Blue Jackets decision to sign Kevin Labanc is a savvy move that could pay dividends for both parties. For Columbus, they are bringing in a player who still has the potential to be a key contributor at an affordable price, especially with the team facing depth concerns overall. For Labanc, this is a prime opportunity to revitalize his career and prove that he can still be an effective scorer in the NHL.

With a fresh start, a clear path to ice time, and something to prove, Kevin Labanc has everything to play for in Columbus this season. If he can capitalize on the opportunity in front of him, this could be the beginning of a successful comeback story for the former Sharks forward.