Sharks re-sign Labanc to 1-year deal reportedly worth $1M

The San Jose Sharks have signed restricted free-agent forward Kevin Labanc to a one-year contract, the team announced on Monday.

The deal is worth $1 million, with $715,000 of that paid in salary, and the other $285,000 coming through a signing bonus, reports The Athletic's Kevin Kurz.

Labanc enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2018-19, registering career highs in goals (17), assists (39), and points (56) in 82 games. He also recorded nine points over 20 playoff contests.

"Kevin took a big step forward in his production last season and has grown into an important part of our team here in San Jose," general manager Doug Wilson said in a statement. "He's always had a dangerous shot but really stepped into a playmaking role for us last season and improved his 200-foot game as well.

"We think he still has even more potential to tap into and we're excited to see what he can do with an elevated role with this talented group."

The 23-year-old should see plenty of minutes as a top-six forward in 2019-2020 after the Sharks lost Joe Pavelski, Gustav Nyquist, and Joonas Donskoi in free agency.