The Anaheim Ducks secure defenseman Jackson LaCombe with a long-term contract extension, a key move for the rebuilding team. LaCombe, 24, signed an eight-year agreement with an average annual value of $9 million. This contract represents the largest awarded by the Ducks. The agreement has the same average annual value as the contract defenseman Luke Hughes signed with the New Jersey Devils, although the latter was for seven years. The new LaCombe contract will begin in the 2026-27 season and end in 2033-34. He currently has one year remaining on a two-year bridge contract with an average annual value of $925,000, which he signed in 2024. LaCombe was selected 39th overall in the 2019 NHL draft. He has accumulated 60 points in 148 NHL games, with a personal best of 14 goals and 29 assists in 75 games last season for the Ducks, forming an effective pairing with veteran defenseman Radko Gudas.
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, Anaheim General Manager
The Minnesota player was invited to the U.S. men’s Olympic orientation camp, putting him in contention for a spot on the 2026 men’s hockey team that will compete for gold in Italy. LaCombe helped the United States win gold at the 2025 world championship, the Americans’ first gold at the event in 92 years. This is the second big signing for Verbeek in the last week. The Ducks and restricted free agent center Mason McTavish agreed to a six-year, $42 million extension on Saturday, ending a negotiation that kept him out of training camp. Anaheim is looking for its first playoff spot since 2018.It was an easy decision long-term in Anaheim. We are building something special here and I am excited to do everything I can to help this team win.
Jackson LaCombe
