Now that September is inching closer, teams around the NHL are starting to sign players to professional tryout (PTO) contracts. Jakub Vrana (Washington Capitals), Logan Brown (Tampa Bay Lightning), and Tanner Pearson (Vegas Golden Knights) are recent PTO signings, and more are undoubtedly on the way.
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When looking at the Philadelphia Flyers’ roster, it would not hurt for them to invite a player or two to training camp on a PTO. One specific free agent who could be a good player for them to take a gamble on is forward Kevin Labanc.
Labanc, 28, remains a free agent this late into the summer after having a tough 2023-24 season. In 46 games for the San Jose Sharks on the year, he posted two goals, nine points, and a minus-27 rating. While the Brooklyn, New York native struggled, there is reason to believe he could bounce back if given another opportunity.
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For example, just back in 2022-23 with the Sharks, Labanc provided solid secondary scoring, posting 15 goals and 33 points in 72 games. He also had 12 goals and 28 points in 55 games in 2020-21 and 17 goals and 56 points in 82 games back in 2018-19. Thus, when on his game and in the proper role, he has the potential to be a decent offensive contributor.
Ultimately, it would not hurt for the Flyers to take a look at Labanc on a PTO. He has shown multiple times in his career that he can be a solid point producer, and he could give the Flyers another option for their bottom six if he earned a deal.
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