Ducks: Jackson LaCombe signs MILLION-DOLLAR EXTENSION, largest contract in history

Ducks Secure Jackson LaCombe with Multi-Year Extension

The Anaheim Ducks have secured defenseman Jackson LaCombe with an eight-year contract extension, a key move for the rebuilding team. The announcement was made on Thursday. The agreement has an average annual value of $9 million, according to a source close to the matter. This amount is similar to the contract that defenseman Luke Hughes signed with the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday, although with a duration of seven years. LaCombe’s contract, which will begin in the 2026-27 season and end in 2033-34, is the largest awarded by the Ducks to date. Currently, he has one year remaining on a two-year bridge contract with an average annual value of $925,000, which he signed in 2024.

Extending LaCombe was a priority for the team. He has all the tools to be a mainstay on our defense for many years.

Pat Verbeek, Ducks General Manager

Verbeek commented that the extension was finalized quickly because both parties were seeking long-term agreements. In addition, he expressed his confidence in the contract and in the character of Jackson LaCombe, highlighting his potential for growth and improvement in his game. LaCombe, 24, was selected in the 39th overall pick of the 2019 NHL draft. In his career, he has accumulated 60 points in 148 NHL games, with 14 goals and 29 assists in 75 games last season. He formed an effective pairing with defenseman Radko Gudas.

It was an easy decision. I love being here, I love my teammates.

Jackson LaCombe

LaCombe, a graduate of the University of Minnesota, was invited to the orientation camp of the United States men’s Olympic team, which puts him in contention for a spot on the 2026 hockey team. In addition, he contributed to the United States’ victory in the 2025 world championship. LaCombe is the first player to renew his contract from the Ducks’ restricted free agent class for next summer. He was scheduled to be a restricted free agent along with center Leo Carlsson, left wing Cutter Gauthier, and defensemen Olen Zellweger and Pavel Mintyukov.

Jackson is the first to fall, and we are working on other things too.

Pat Verbeek, General Manager of the Ducks

In the last week, LaCombe is the second major signing for Verbeek. Center Mason McTavish agreed to a six-year, $42 million extension on Saturday. Anaheim is looking for its first playoff appearance since 2018.