Announcement: New Jersey Devils closing in on deal to sign $4.7 forward

According to reports, the New Jersey Devils are close to finalizing a professional tryout agreement with forward Kevin LaBanc.

Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now writes that “the ex-San Jose Sharks playoff hero will likely sign a PTO with the New Jersey Devils.”

New Jersey Hockey Now has since validated the allegation with several sources.

Kevin LaBanc, a 28-year-old forward, will enter his seventh NHL season if he signs with the Devils. The New York native struggled last season, scoring only two goals and nine points across 46 games.

One year after a successful 2018-19 season, LaBanc signed a four-year contract with the San Jose Sharks with an average of $4.725 million. In the 2018-19 season, the former Sharks striker scored 17 goals and 56 points in 82 games.

However, LaBanc’s production has continuously fallen, with a high of 33 points (twice) in the following five seasons.

Despite his attempts to regain his 50-plus point form, LaBanc’s confidence as a hockey player appears to have not faltered.

“I still have a lot of confidence,” Labanc told San Jose Hockey Now last season. “For me, no matter how many minutes you play, you strive to do your best with the puck. “Just work hard, throw your body around, and do everything you can to get this team going.”

LaBanc now has the opportunity to join the Devils’ training camp and earn another chance in the NHL. Timo Meier, a former Sharks forward who was dealt to the Devils, will be a familiar face for him.

With a chance to play closer to home, LaBanc’s parents still live on Staten Island. Perhaps some home cooked meals can see the forward return to his former 50-point self and impress Sheldon Keefe and Co.