There is a lot to like about Kevin Labanc, a gifted scorer who improved in each of his three years with the Ontario Hockey League’s Barrie Colts. The winger scored 88 points in 65 regular season games and, as if that wasn’t enough, tacked on 26 more in 15 playoff games.
Labanc signed his entry level deal with the Sharks in the spring and played in one postseason game with the San Jose Barracuda. As I’ve written many times during this series, the Barracuda will have a host of interesting prospects to keep an eye on this season and Labanc certainly qualifies as one of them.
He has shown ability on the power play, too, which is good news for a Sharks team that could use a little something on the second unit in years to come. Labanc progressed well in three years with the Colts, reaching the numbers you want to see if an NHL career is on the horizon.
Keep an eye out for Labanc during training camp and then with the ‘Cuda this season. If he puts together a good AHL season we might see him in the NHL sooner rather than later.
Name: Kevin Labanc
Age (as of 10/12/16): 20
Position: Right Wing
2015-16 Team: Barrie Colts
Where he’ll (probably) be next year: San Jose Barracuda
What we like: Scoring, scoring and also scoring.
What to improve on: Adjusting to the size and speed of the professional game with the ‘Cuda this year.
Highlight:
If this doesn’t get you excited about Labanc…well, I’m sorry.
As many of you know, Fear the Fin is an independent site run by Sharks fans for Sharks fans. Help keep Fear the Fin independent by contributing to our