Kevin Labanc Re-signs for 4 Years, $18.9 Million

Pierre LeBrun reported today that the San Jose Sharks have re-signed RFA Kevin Labanc to a four-year, $18.9 million dollar contract. That’s a 4.725 million dollar cap hit.

“Kevin brings a rare level of offensive skill and creativity to our line-up and has established himself as a top-six forward in our league,” San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson said in a press release. “His Game 7 playoff performance last season is one of the most iconic moments in Sharks history and is a perfect example of the impact he can have on a hockey game. Kevin has shown a consistent ability to perform at a high level in both the regular season and the playoffs and he will be a big part of our club in the coming years.”

“Banker adds some important ingredients to our lineup, especially with how we want to play going forward,” San Jose Sharks head coach Bob Boughner said. “His creativity makes him a player that other teams have to be aware of and we’re excited to see that on display at both five-on-five and on the power play.”

From what I understand — and you can guess based on the size of this contract — the San Jose Sharks are rewarding Labanc more for his breakout 56-point 2018-19 campaign, and calling something of a mulligan on his tough 2019-20 season. In fairness to Labanc, the entire Sharks team struggled this year.

This contract is probably also something of a “make up” for the record-setting low contract that Labanc signed last summer. The 24-year-winger himself has called the one-year, $1 million dollar deal a “big favor”:

Kevin Labanc on Being USA Hockey’s Last Pick, Contract Regrets

More on this story as it develops. Both Wilson and Labanc should be available to the media shortly.