2016-17 Rookie Spotlight: Kevin Labanc

Welcome to a new article on my blog, where I will be spotlighting NHL players. who are making their debut during the 2016-17 season. This will be a recurring article, so stayed tuned for more rookie reviews. Today we look at Kevin Labanc from the San Jose Sharks.

Name: Kevin Labanc

Age: 21

Size: 5ft11 179 lbs

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY, USA

Jersey Number: #62

Drafted: 6th Round 171st overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2014 NHL Draft

Position: Right Wing

Junior team: Barrie Colts (OHL)

2016-17 Stats: GP 17 G 4 A 2 Pts 6

Comparable NHL players: Andrew Shaw, Brendan Gallagher, Brad Marchand

-It is not everyday you see people from Brooklyn playing in the NHL, so it is nice to see a player like Kevin Labanc getting his chance. He is not someone who is going to dominate this league. However he can be a solid 3rd/4th liner for the Sharks. He had HHOF Dale Hawerchuk as a coach while he played in Barrie. In Bariie he also played with current NHL superstar defenseman Aaron Ekblad.

Even with his small size, Labanc does bring a physical presence. He definitely has skills too, just check out his shootout winner against Ottawa last night:

Labanc appears to be a draft day steal by the Sharks. He has the skills to produce in the NHL, and he should be able to stick with the Sharks for the whole season. He might not win the Calder Trophy, but he can easily be an important factor in the Sharks success this season. The Sharks needs to invest in their young talent, and that is what they are currently doing with Labanc.