Jackson LaCombe, a rising star in the NHL, has been named to the United States men's hockey Olympic team, replacing the injured Seth Jones. LaCombe, a 25-year-old defenseman, signed an eight-year, $72 million contract extension with the Anaheim Ducks in October after a breakout 2024-25 season. He's a terrific skater and strong puck mover, with 6 feet 2 inches and 208 pounds of physical presence. LaCombe has six goals and leads Anaheim's blue line with 31 points while averaging more than 24 minutes of ice time. He played for Team USA in last year's world championships, scoring twice and adding three assists in 10 games, helping the Americans win gold for the first time since 1933. LaCombe's selection comes as a surprise to many, as Jones was one of the original eight who made up Team USA's defense corps for the 2026 Winter Olympics in northern Italy. LaCombe, a native of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, saying, 'I was just super excited, and I didn’t really know what to say.' The Anaheim Ducks celebrated LaCombe's selection on Twitter, sharing his thoughts and highlighting his journey to becoming a rising star in the U.S. hockey ranks. With his strong performance and potential, LaCombe is poised to make a significant impact on the Olympic stage.
