Adam Kimelman of NHL.com: Alas, the quotable quotes expected to come out from San Jose at some point. Here is one from Kevin Labanc.
“I did a big favor … taking that deal. There’s a lot more salary cap for him to get another 1 or 2 players. … I think it’ll help our team be Stanley Cup contenders this year.”
Labanc is not wrong and this helps him get a foot in the door as far as being part of the long-term core. It is much more than betting on himself.