Labanc penned a one-year contract with the Shanghai Dragons (KHL) on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Labanc was with the Hurricanes during training camp but was unable to secure a full NHL deal. Instead, the 29-year-old winger will head to China to link up with the country's KHL squad. At this point, it's hard to imagine Labanc getting another run in the NHL, though he could earn his way back with an impressive showing in the KHL this year.

Labanc was released from his PTO by the Hurricanes on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Labanc was hoping to secure a full contract with the Canes after coming into camp on a tryout, but it looks like he'll have to hope he can land elsewhere this season. The 29-year-old winger struggled to stay in the lineup with the Blue Jackets last year, appearing in just 34 games, but was relatively productive when he played, generating two goals and 10 helpers. A two-way deal for Labanc should be something he is able to land before the season kicks off.

Labanc agreed to a professional tryout contract with Carolina on Sunday, per Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

EDGE Analysis

Before his 2024-25 campaign was cut short by a shoulder injury in February, Labanc accounted for two goals, 12 points, 35 shots on net, 14 blocked shots and 29 hits across 34 regular-season games with Columbus. Now that he's healthy, he will compete for a standard contract and a roster spot with the Hurricanes at training camp.

Labanc (shoulder) has recovered from season-ending surgery, per Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Labanc had shoulder surgery Feb. 21, forcing him to miss the final 26 games of the 2024-25 campaign. Before getting hurt, he registered two goals, 12 points, 35 shots on net and 29 hits across 34 regular-season games with Columbus. The 29-year-old Labanc is an unrestricted free agent, and according to his agent, Mike Curran, he doesn't plan to go to the KHL.

Labanc was placed on injured reserve after undergoing shoulder surgery Friday and will miss the rest of the season.

EDGE Analysis

Labanc has two goals and 12 points in 34 games this season and has been a healthy scratch on 23 occasions. The 29-year-old winger should be healthy enough to return for the start of training camp in September, barring any major setbacks.

Labanc missed Wednesday's practice due to an upper-body injury, per Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site.

EDGE Analysis

Labanc has two goals and 12 points over 34 appearances in 2024-25. He's not always in the lineup when he's healthy, so might be held out of the lineup Saturday versus Chicago, even if he ends up being available.

Labanc played in his fourth game in a row in Tuesday's 3-2 shootout win over the Flyers.

EDGE Analysis

Labanc has gotten a chance to play with all of Yegor Chinakhov (upper body), Justin Danforth (lower body) and Sean Monahan (wrist) out of action. The Blue Jackets initially tried to cover the absences by dressing seven defensemen, but Labanc has drawn back in on the fourth line. He's in a six-game point drought and has a modest 12 points with 32 shots on net, 28 hits and a plus-2 rating over 31 appearances this season.

Labanc notched an assist in Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Ducks.

EDGE Analysis

Labanc has played in 11 straight games, but he has just two points to show for it. The 29-year-old has mostly served in a fourth-line role in that span, so his chances on offense are likely to be limited. Labanc now has two goals, 10 assists, 25 shots on net, 24 hits and a plus-6 rating over 25 appearances, but his usage is too sporadic to make him a reliable option for fantasy managers.

Labanc scored a goal on three shots in Thursday's 6-3 loss to the Oilers.

EDGE Analysis

Labanc snapped an 11-game goal drought, during which he had four assists, with his opening goal at 2:31 of the first period. He's played in a season-high six straight games, though he saw just 9:44 of ice time Thursday. Labanc is tough to roster in fantasy since his defensive issues occasionally lead to him being scratched. He's up to two goals, 11 points, 23 shots on net, 20 hits and a plus-6 rating over 20 appearances this season.

Labanc notched an assist and two PIM in Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Canadiens.

EDGE Analysis

Labanc has four helpers over his last three games, helping out on a Dante Fabbro tally in Saturday's contest. While he's been fairly productive in a limited role, Labanc has not played in more than four consecutive games yet this season, so he may still be at risk of an occasional healthy scratch. The winger has 10 points, 16 shots on net, 12 hits and a plus-5 rating over 13 appearances despite averaging 11:22 of ice time. He's already surpassed the nine points he collected in 46 games with the Sharks last season.