Jackson LaCombe, the talented defenseman for the Anaheim Ducks, has secured a significant eight-year contract extension worth $72 million, ensuring his presence with the team until the end of the 2033-34 NHL season. This deal marks the most lucrative contract in the franchise’s history, a testament to LaCombe’s rising star status, though it should be noted that other contracts within the team may have a higher average annual value.
Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek expressed enthusiasm about keeping LaCombe, highlighting his potential as a foundational player for the team’s future. “Getting this deal done early was a priority for us,” Verbeek stated. LaCombe, at just 24 years old, has quickly established himself as a formidable two-way defenseman, now under consideration for the U.S. Olympic team.
LaCombe made his NHL debut after a successful tenure with the University of Minnesota, stepping directly into the professional league in 2023. In his two full seasons, he has impressively tallied 16 goals and 44 assists across 148 games, leading the Ducks in ice time last season and playing a critical role on the power play. Following the trade of veteran defenseman Cam Fowler to the St. Louis Blues last December, LaCombe also assumed a leadership position within the team.
His performance last season, where he scored 14 goals — the highest for an Anaheim defenseman since Lubomir Visnovsky’s 18 in the 2010-11 season — illustrates his growth and importance to the club. LaCombe’s skills were also on display during the recent world championships in Stockholm, where he contributed to the U.S. team’s gold medal with two goals and three assists.
Drafted 39th overall in 2019, LaCombe transitioned seamlessly from junior to the NHL, rapidly becoming a top prospect. He is the first of several restricted free agents expected to re-sign, which includes notable teammates like center Leo Carlsson and left winger Cutter Gauthier. Just days prior to LaCombe’s extension, the Ducks also secured holdout center Mason McTavish with a six-year, $42 million deal.
LaCombe expressed gratitude toward the organization for their confidence in him, underscoring his commitment to help build something special within the Ducks’ franchise and their dedicated fanbase in Orange County. With this contract extension, LaCombe’s future with the Ducks appears bright, echoing the team’s ambition for success in the NHL.