jackson lacombe

Jackson LaCombe Steps Up: Anaheim Ducks D-Man Replaces Injured Seth Jones on Team USA Olympic Roster

By CA Sports Desk
Updated: May 2025

In a significant shakeup to the United States men’s ice hockey roster for the upcoming Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, USA Hockey announced that Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones will be sidelined due to injury. Stepping into the spotlight is Jackson LaCombe, the Anaheim Ducks' rising defensive star.

This development marks a pivotal moment for the 24-year-old blueliner, shifting him from a promising NHL talent to an Olympian representing his country on the world’s biggest stage.

Main Narrative: A Sudden Call to Olympic Duty

The news broke on Wednesday, sending ripples through the hockey community. Seth Jones, a veteran defenseman and a key component of the U.S. defense corps, was officially ruled out due to an upper-body injury. Jones, who recently helped the Florida Panthers secure the Stanley Cup, has been a staple in national team discussions for over a decade.

Replacing him is no small feat, but USA Hockey believes Jackson LaCombe is the right man for the job. The 2025 IIHF World Championship gold medalist has been on a meteoric rise, establishing himself as the Anaheim Ducks' most reliable defenseman.

"It’s an exciting day for my family and I am grateful to the organization for their belief in me," LaCombe said following the announcement of his eight-year contract extension with the Ducks in late 2025. "I’ve worked hard for this opportunity."

LaCombe’s inclusion isn't just a depth move; it’s a strategic pivot toward speed, mobility, and offensive upside. While Jones brings size and experience, LaCombe offers a dynamic, transitional game that fits perfectly into the fast-paced Olympic tournament format.

Recent Updates: The Timeline of the Swap

The transition from Jones to LaCombe was swift and decisive, reflecting USA Hockey’s confidence in their depth chart.

The Official Announcement USA Hockey confirmed the roster change on Wednesday morning. The statement cited Jones’s inability to participate due to an upper-body injury sustained during recent training. The replacement was made in accordance with IIHF regulations, allowing teams to adjust rosters up until the start of the tournament.

Verified Reports Major sports outlets immediately picked up the story, confirming LaCombe’s selection: * Yahoo Sports Canada reported that Seth Jones will not play for the U.S. at the Milan Cortina Olympics, explicitly naming Jackson LaCombe as his replacement. * NHL.com ran the headline "Jones out for Olympics, replaced by LaCombe on Team USA," emphasizing the veteran's injury and the Ducks' defenseman’s new role. * Sportsnet.ca also covered the move, highlighting the significance for the Anaheim Ducks organization.

The Contract Context While not part of the Olympic announcement, LaCombe’s recent contract extension with the Ducks plays a subtle role in this narrative. Signed in October 2025, the eight-year deal solidified his status as a franchise cornerstone. This long-term commitment likely contributed to the confidence USA Hockey management had in selecting him for a high-pressure international tournament.

Contextual Background: The Rise of Jackson LaCombe

To understand why LaCombe is a suitable replacement for a player of Seth Jones's caliber, one must look at his trajectory through the NHL and international play.

From Draft Pick to Anchor Drafted 39th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Jackson LaCombe (born January 9, 2001, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota) spent his college years at the University of Minnesota, honing his skills as a mobile, puck-moving defenseman. Since joining the Ducks full-time, he has evolved into a top-pairing defenseman, leading the Ducks' blue line in points and time on ice.

International Pedigree LaCombe is not a stranger to the red, white, and blue. He was instrumental in Team USA’s historic gold medal win at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship—the nation's first gold since 1933. * The 2025 Gold: LaCombe’s performance in the World Championship showcased his ability to transition quickly from defense to offense, a skill set highly valued in international tournaments where the ice surface is larger than in the NHL. * Alternate Captain: His leadership qualities were recognized early; he currently serves as an alternate captain for the Ducks, proving he can handle the pressure of a leadership role.

The Opposite Profile: Seth Jones While LaCombe brings youthful energy, Seth Jones brings a veteran pedigree. As a Stanley Cup champion with the Florida Panthers and a former top-5 NHL draft pick, Jones was expected to anchor the U.S. defense. His absence due to an upper-body injury is a blow to the team's experience quotient, but LaCombe’s recent international success offers a different kind of value.

Immediate Effects: Impact on Team USA and the Anaheim Ducks

The roster change creates immediate ripple effects across two organizations.

For Team USA: A Shift in Defensive Identity Replacing Jones with LaCombe changes the tactical approach of the U.S. defense. * Mobility vs. Size: Jones stands 6-foot-4 and plays a heavier, more physical game. LaCombe, at 6-foot-1, relies on an active stick, edge work, and skating ability to defend. This shift suggests the U.S. coaching staff is prioritizing speed and puck movement over physical containment. * Special Teams: LaCombe’s power-play experience with the Ducks makes him a viable candidate for the man advantage unit in Milan. His ability to quarterback the play from the blue line adds a dimension that might have been limited with Jones.

For the Anaheim Ducks: Validation of a Franchise Pillar For the Ducks, having LaCombe on the Olympic roster is a massive validation of their rebuilding strategy. * Asset Value: With LaCombe locked into a long-term deal and now an Olympian, his value to the franchise has skyrocketed. It signals to the league and to Ducks fans that Anaheim possesses elite, internationally recognized talent. * Visibility: The Ducks have struggled to find consistent success recently. Having a representative in the Olympics (alongside other potential Ducks like Troy Terry or Trevor Zegras, pending selection) boosts the franchise's profile and keeps fan engagement high during the NHL offseason.

Regulatory and Roster Implications Because the injury to Jones occurred prior to the final roster freeze, the swap is seamless from an IIHF compliance standpoint. Team USA retains its full complement of players, and no waiver or grievance processes are triggered. The focus remains entirely on hockey.

Future Outlook: Expectations for Milan Cortina 2026

As the Winter Olympics approach, the spotlight on Jackson LaCombe will intensify. Here is what to expect moving forward:

1. The "Next Man Up" Mentality LaCombe’s journey is a classic sports narrative of seizing the moment. Having missed out on previous Olympic rosters due to the NHL's hiatus from international play and the depth of the U.S. program, this is his first shot at Olympic glory. His performance in Milan could dictate his role for years to come, not just for Team USA, but for the Ducks.

2. The Olympic Format Factor The Olympic tournament is known for its fast pace and shorter shifts. LaCombe’s conditioning and high-tempo play style are ideally suited for this format. Analysts predict he will see significant minutes, potentially playing in the top four defense pairings.

3. Potential Risks and Challenges While the replacement is official, the pressure on a first-time Olympian is immense. LaCombe will need to adapt quickly to new linemates and a new system. The transition from the NHL’s smaller ice surface to the international-sized rink requires adjustments in defensive positioning. However, his recent gold medal at the Worlds suggests he has already bridged that gap.

4. Broader Implications for U.S. Hockey The selection of LaCombe highlights the depth of American defensemen in the modern NHL. With Jones out, the U.S. still fields a formidable defensive corps. It reinforces the idea that the United States is a gold-medal contender, capable of weathering injuries with high-caliber replacements.

Conclusion

Jackson LaCombe’s ascension to the Olympic roster is a testament to his hard work, skill, and the trust placed in him by USA Hockey. While Seth Jones’s injury is unfortunate, it opens a door for the Anaheim Ducks' star to prove he belongs among the world's elite.

For Canadian sports fans watching from north of the border, this is a reminder of the intense rivalry and high stakes of international hockey. As Team USA prepares for Milan, all eyes will be on Jackson LaCombe to see if he can translate his NHL success into Olympic history.

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