The San Jose Sharks have signed Kevin Labanc to his entry-level contract, the team announced Wednesday.
Labanc, a 6th round draft pick in 2014, led the OHL in points this season with 119 points in 59 games. That’s a significant scoring rate improvement over last season when he put up 107 points in 68 games.
“Kevin has become one of the premier point producers in the OHL and has elevated his game to new heights this season,” said Sharks general manager Doug Wilson. “His smart, crafty play with the puck has made him a dangerous offensive player, but with the help of Barrie’s Head Coach Dale Hawerchuk, his game has improved physically and in the defensive end as well.
“We’re excited to see his continued development with our organization.”
The 119 points represent a career-high in goals, assists and points for the 5-foot-11 Barrie Colts winger. How his game has filled out is represented well in his statline. While he posted a career-high 38 goals, his power play goals decreased from 16 to just three. Meanwhile he saw significant shorthanded assignments, managing to put up eight goals while down a man.
The terms of his contract are unknown at this point, though Cap Friendly confirms that the deal is for the maximum three years.
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