Former 56-point scorer signs with the Columbus Blue Jackets
A Former 56-point scorer signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets despite his PTO with the New Jersey Devils.
The Blue Jackets are yet to reach the cap floor as we enter the 2024-25 NHL season. However, the League made a special ruling related to Johnny Gaudreau's passing, making them eligible to compete despite not respecting the cap rules.
However, they still had time to add players before the start of the season, and they did so.
A few minutes ago, the Columbus Blue Jackets organization announced that they've signed forward Kevin Labanc to a one-year contract at the league's minimum wage.
Read their full press release here:
"The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed forward Kevin Labanc (pronounced lah-BANK) to a one-year, $775,000 contract for the 2024-25 National Hockey League season, club President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell announced today.
«Kevin Labanc has been a productive offensive player in this league for several years,» said Waddell. «He has an excellent shot and playmaking ability, and given his character, we believe he will fit in very well with our group.»
«Kevin Labanc has been a productive offensive player in this league for several years,» said Waddell. «He has an excellent shot and playmaking ability, and given his character, we believe he will fit in very well with our group.»
Labanc signed a PTO with the New Jersey Devils and took part in their training camp. He shined in his last three games, tallying seven points.
In his career, the forward from Brooklyn scored 225 points in 478 NHL games with the San Jose Sharks.
If he performs well in Columbus, it wouldn't be surprising to see him on the team's top six alongside prospect Adam Fantilli or veteran Sean Monahan.
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