Jackson LaCombe is making headlines with the Anaheim Ducks after signing a significant eight-year contract extension on Thursday. This deal, reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, holds an average annual value of $9 million, marking it as the richest contract in the franchise’s history with a total value of $72 million.
Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek expressed enthusiasm about securing LaCombe, stating, “We are excited to sign Jackson to a long-term contract and lock up a core player for our future. Getting this deal done early was a priority for us. Jackson has all of the tools to be an anchor on our back end for many years to come.”
LaCombe, who hails from Minnesota, had an impressive season last year, tallying 14 goals and 29 assists for a total of 43 points over 75 games, while also showcasing his stamina with a team-leading average ice time of 22:18. Over his career, he has recorded 16 goals and 44 assists in 148 games. Notably, among NHL defensemen aged 24 and younger last season, he ranked third in goals, following Rasmus Dahlin from Buffalo and Thomas Harley from Dallas.
Reflecting on his commitment to the team, LaCombe remarked, “It was an easy decision for me to commit my future to the Ducks and Orange County. We are building something special here and I am excited to do everything I can to help this team win.”
This long-term commitment highlights not only LaCombe’s value to the Ducks but also the team’s ambition as they look to build a competitive roster moving forward.