Jackson LaCombe

Jackson Trevor LaCombe (born January 9, 2001) is an American professional ice hockey player who is a defenseman and alternate captain for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL). LaCombe was drafted 39th overall by the Ducks in the 2019 NHL entry draft and made his NHL debut with the team in 2023. Internationally he has played for the American national team at multiple tournaments, winning a gold medal at the 2025 World Championships, and being named to the team for the gold medal-winning team at the 2026 Winter Olympics, though he did not play at the latter.

Playing career

High school LaCombe attended Shattuck-Saint Mary's where he helped SSM win the 2016 USA Hockey Youth Tier I 14 U national championship. During his senior year in the 2018–19 season, he set a school record for points by a defenseman with 89 points.

Collegiate LaCombe began his collegiate career for the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the 2019–20 season. During freshman year he recorded three goals and 10 assists in 37 games and led all Big Ten freshman defenseman with 61 blocked shots and ranked second in scoring. He was subsequently named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. On April 11, he made his NHL debut against the Vancouver Canucks in a 3–2 loss. On January 20, 2024, LaCombe scored his first NHL goal against the San Jose Sharks in a 5–3 loss. On October 2, 2025, LaCombe signed an eight-year extension with the Ducks, taking effect at the start of the 2026–27 season.

International play

LaCombe represented the United States at the 2021 World Junior Championships, where he recorded one assist in six games and won a gold medal.

LaCombe made his senior national team debut for the United States at the 2025 World Championship, where he recorded two goals and three assists in 10 games and helped the United States win their first gold medal since 1933.

On January 21, 2026, he was named to the United States' roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics, replacing the injured Seth Jones. Although he dressed for the games, he was in the final roster and joined the team in the podium to get his gold medal, LaCombe did not play through the competition. Amid online backlash faced by the men's Olympic hockey team regarding the inclusion of FBI director Kash Patel during their gold medal celebrations and members of the team laughing at President Trump's comments of being impeached if he did not invite the women's team to the White House, the team was invited to meet with the president and attend the State of the Union. LaCombe did not attend either the State of the Union or tour the White House.

Career statistics Regular season and playoffs

International Year Team Event GP G A Pts PIM 2021 United States WJC 6 0 1 1 0 2025 United States WC 10 2 3 5 2 Junior totals 6 0 1 1 0 Senior totals 10 2 3 5 2

Awards and honors Award Year RefCollege All-Big Ten Freshman Team 2020 All-Big Ten First Team 2021 AHCA West Second Team All-American 2021 All-Big Ten Second Team 2022, 2023 Big Ten All-Tournament Team 2022