Kevin Labanc has had a very interesting 24 hours that presumably will culminate in the veteran Sharks winger making his 2023-24 NHL season debut Thursday night against the Boston Bruins at SAP Center.
The Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli first reported Thursday morning, citing sources, that the Sharks planned to place Labanc on waivers later in the day. But roughly 40 minutes later, Seravalli reported that San Jose "reversed course" on that decision after delivering the initial news to Labanc's representatives.
However, both Labanc and the Sharks denied Seravalli’s reporting.
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This comes less than 24 hours after Sharks coach David Quinn indicated to reporters that the 27-year-old would play against the Bruins.
Labanc, who recorded 15 goals and 18 assists in 72 games for the Sharks last season, has been a healthy scratch for the first three contests this season.
Drafted by the Sharks in the sixth round of the 2014 NHL Draft, Labanc has 80 goals and 136 assists in 432 career games.
San Jose Sharks
Labanc is in the final year of a four-year, $18.9 million contract and is slated to make $4.725 million this season.