Ducks Secure Jackson LaCombe with Million-Dollar Extension
The Anaheim Ducks have secured defenseman Jackson LaCombe with an eight-year contract extension, the team announced this Thursday. The extension is a clear sign of confidence in this key player for the team’s reconstruction. The agreement has an average annual value of $9 million, making it the largest contract awarded by the Ducks in their history. The contract will take effect in the 2026-27 season and will extend through the 2033-34 season. LaCombe still has one year remaining on his current contract, a two-year bridge deal with an annual value of $925,000, which he signed in 2024.Anaheim’s general manager, Pat Verbeek, emphasized that extending LaCombe was a priority for the team. Verbeek highlighted that the young defenseman “has all the tools to be an anchor on our defense for many years.” Verbeek also mentioned that both sides sought a long-term agreement, which facilitated the negotiation. “We are trying to assess the future salary landscape of the NHL, and I feel very comfortable with the contract and the character of Jackson LaCombe. I think he still has a lot of growth potential, and the best is yet to come,” added Verbeek. LaCombe, 24, was selected 39th overall in the 2019 NHL draft. In his career, he has 60 points in 148 NHL games, with 14 goals and 29 assists in 75 games last season. LaCombe formed an effective pairing with defenseman Radko Gudas. LaCombe expressed that it was an “easy decision” to commit long-term to Anaheim. “I love being here. I love playing here. I love all my teammates, so it was an easy decision,” LaCombe commented. He also highlighted the positive environment and the welcome he has received from the team. In addition, 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 that will compete for gold in Italy. LaCombe is the first player to re-sign from the Ducks’ restricted free agent class that will arrive next summer, which includes center Leo Carlson, left wing Cutter Gauthier, and defensemen Owen Zellweger and Pavel Mintyukov. Verbeek indicated that they are working on more deals. This is Verbeek’s second major signing in the last week, as center Mason McTavish agreed to a six-year, $42 million extension on Saturday. Anaheim is looking for its first playoff berth since 2018.Extending LaCombe was a priority for the team. He has all the tools to be an anchor on our defense for many years.
Pat Verbeek, General Manager of the Ducks
