Devils Need to Sign Labanc to an NHL Contract
Kevin Labanc had an excellent preseason with the New Jersey Devils and deserves an NHL contract
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The New Jersey Devils' roster is mostly set to begin the regular season. I say mostly because Kevin Labanc said, "Not so fast, my friends" during preseason games.
While he didn't get a chance with most of the team's NHLers before they headed to Prague for the Global Series, Labanc proved he should be part of the Devils' roster for the 2024-25 season. He was one of the team's best players this preseason, and he did it playing alongside AHLers for the most part. Now, the Devils should award him with an NHL contract.
Labanc Did Everything He Could Have to Earn a Contract
The Devils brought in Labanc on a PTO for training camp after he struggled mightily a season ago with the San Jose Sharks. He totaled just two goals and nine points in 46 games in 2023-24 and was a healthy scratch on more than a few occasions.
It was a poor season for Labanc. There's no doubt about that, but as I wrote a few weeks ago, he was an intriguing PTO option because he looks like a potential bounce-back candidate for 2024-25.
At least in his four preseason games, Labanc showed that he still could be a contributor for an NHL team. He finished with six goals, including a hat trick against the Philadelphia Flyers, seven points and 18 shots on goal. He averaged 11.92 shots on goal and 14.57 scoring chances per 60 at five-on-five.
And though his on-ice metrics weren't great — he finished with an expected goals share (xG%) of 45.2 percent — context is important. Labanc rarely played with the Devils' NHLers. He appeared in just one preseason game before the team left for Prague, so he was mostly on the ice with the Utica Comets. I wouldn't expect his on-ice numbers to be great.
Labanc has never been a big-time goal-scorer, but he showed off a better-than-expected shot during the preseason. And while he only had one assist, there were a couple of instances where he set up his teammates for chances, but they just couldn't finish them.
When looking at the Devils' lineup, I see the fit for Labanc. The Devils' middle-six scoring has some question marks with Tomáš Tatar and Ondřej Palát. Labanc needs to play a top-nine role to thrive, and there looks like a place for him there.
The simple solution is signing Labanc and starting him on the third line with Palát and Erik Haula, two responsible defensive forwards who can help mask some of his defensive deficiencies. He'd also add a little pace and scoring pop to that line, something the Devils could use more of in their top nine.
And let's say he thrives in that role. Sheldon Keefe would have another option to move around in the top nine if Tatar, Palát or even Dawson Mercer are failing to produce at rates the Devils need.
Signing Labanc would also move Stefan Noesen to the fourth line, but I don't see that as a problem. A fourth line of Paul Cotter, Curtis Lazar and Noesen has the potential to do some damage, giving the Devils a deeper lineup.
The Devils would have to make a roster move to clear the way for Labanc, but they should do what's necessary to sign him. Sending Kurtis MacDermid to the AHL is the obvious move. I know the Devils just signed him to an inexplicable three-year deal, but I'd be surprised if any team claimed him on waivers with that contract. So the Devils can probably keep him in the organization.
If the Devils are worried about losing MacDermid on waivers, they could waive one of Nathan Bastian or Nolan Foote and carry 14 forwards and seven defensemen before they have to get to a 23-man roster once they return from Prague.
But regardless of what they have to do, they need to sign Labanc to an NHL contract. He did everything he could have to earn a deal, and he did it while not playing with the best quality of teammates.
The Devils could use more skill and speed in their top nine, and Labanc showed he could provide that. Best of all, he could come on a cheap deal that doesn't even eclipse six figures. And based on his preseason, there's a chance he exceeds that value.
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Damn you... i first read the email as Devils sign Labanc to an NHL contract hahaha
Jackets got him. Given what they’ve gone through I can’t be angry about that at all. The Devils wanted to sign him but he would have needed to be in the AHL.