Ducks Secure LaCombe with Record-Breaking Contract
The Anaheim Ducks have strengthened their roster by securing defenseman Jackson LaCombe with a record-breaking contract extension. This long-term commitment underscores the team’s dedication to rebuilding and future success.
Ducks Make History with LaCombe’s Contract
Jackson LaCombe, 24, signed an impressive eight-year deal, featuring an average annual value (AAV) of $9 million. This makes it the largest contract ever awarded by the Ducks. The contract aligns with a similar AAV deal signed by Luke Hughes with the New Jersey Devils, although Hughes’s contract is for a shorter seven-year period.
Contract Details
- Contract Length: 8 years
- Average Annual Value: $9 million
- Contract Term: 2026-27 to 2033-34
- Current Contract: One year left on a two-year bridge deal worth $925,000 AAV
LaCombe was drafted 39th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft. Over 148 career NHL games, he has accumulated 60 points, including a personal best of 14 goals and 29 assists last season. He effectively partnered with veteran defenseman Radko Gudas, contributing significantly to the Ducks’ defense strategy.
Team Commitment
General Manager Pat Verbeek noted that extending LaCombe was a priority for the Ducks. He expressed confidence in LaCombe’s potential to be a foundational player on the team’s defense for years to come. LaCombe echoed this sentiment, stating it was an “easy decision” to commit to the Ducks. He expressed enthusiasm about building a successful team in Anaheim.
International Achievements
LaCombe also has international accolades, recently being selected for the U.S. Men’s Olympic Orientation Camp. He is a contender for the 2026 Olympic team, aiming for gold in Italy. Notably, he played a crucial role in helping the U.S. secure gold at the 2025 World Championships, marking their first win in 92 years.
Recent Developments
This signing comes on the heels of another significant deal for the Ducks. Center Mason McTavish agreed to a six-year contract worth $42 million just days prior. Both moves reflect Anaheim’s efforts to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
