Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a chance to add Kevin Labanc to their roster via a PTO and see if he can give them the offensive punch they need for cheap according to The Leafs Nation.With questions about who the Maple Leafs might add to their team this offseason, they may not have to necessarily break the bank if they want to get a look at a few players.
Take for instance last season; they ended up signing both Max Pacioretty and Steve Lorentz to a PTO Agreement only to sign them to one-year deals, and in the case of the latter, translate that into a three-year extension.
Toronto Should Utilize PTO to Add Playmaking Punch
So Toronto could do the same this season, and could take a look at a few names on the market who could tryout and potentially bring some offense, toughness, or backup goaltending.
At one point a very reliable part of the San Jose Sharks offense, Labanc has lost his footing the last couple of season, and could use Toronto to bounce back.
One worth considering is Kevin Labanc who had a rough last year in San Jose and an equally tough season last year in Columbus. After the experience with the Blue Jackets it seems like it might be easiest to just say he’s done.
A PTO would help gauge if that’s true or if he can be every bit as productive in a bottom six role as he was during his better years in San Jose.
Though at the very least allow the Leafs have enough personnel for special teams drills and let him showcase what he still has left in as many preseason games as he’s willing to play in.
With Toronto looking to add a bit more offensive punch, while he necessarily doesn’t fit into the top-six; he could facilitate a move for someone else to slide in their instead.
Labanc Offers Flexibility For Bottom-Six Offense
For instance, if Labanc were to slide in for a Calle Jarnkrok on the fourth line, that would open up Max Domi to play regularly with Auston Matthews, or allow the newly re-signed Nick Robertson a chance in the top-six perhaps.
Toronto doesn’t lose scoring potential, and Labanc; for all his struggles recently, is quite the solid two-way playmaking forward.
In his 512 games, Labanc has 237 points (84 goals, 153 assists) including a blistering 56-point season with the Sharks in 2018-19 while on the bottom-six. He’s a great PP2 piece, and has the defensive chops to work in a Berube system.
There’s nothing to say he can’t offer Toronto some help with depth at the NHL level or be a very solid Marlies player who can come up in case of injury; but whatever the case, there’s a PTO waiting to be signed.
All they need is Labanc’s signature.
Previously on HockeyPatrol
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