Exclusive: Kevin Labanke is transferring from Shanghai to Kazan

“Sport-Express” has confirmed that forward Kevin Labanke is moving to Ak Bars. The 28-year-old Canadian winger spent last season with the Chinese club. He has already agreed to a one-year contract with the Kazan team. An official announcement is expected in the coming days.

Labanke is well-known in the Russian hockey community due to his performances with Kunlun Red Star last season. In 56 games during the regular season, he scored 42 points (15 goals, 27 assists). As a skilled playmaker with experience playing in the NHL, Labanke is seen as a valuable addition to Ak Bars’ attacking units.

Kazan is betting on Labanke’s speed, vision, and creativity in a league where foreign players are strictly limited. Labanke will join the team during the pre-season training sessions and begin preparing for the Gagarin Cup. Details regarding the financial package and his playing number will be announced later.