Jackson LaCombe Signs Historic Contract Extension with Anaheim Ducks

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Jackson LaCombe, a 24-year-old defenseman, signed an eight-year extension with the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday. The contract has an average annual value of $9 million, totaling $72 million, making it the richest deal in the franchise’s history, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

“We are excited to sign Jackson to a long-term contract and lock up a core player for our future,” said Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek in a statement. “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, a native of Minnesota, had an impressive season last year, scoring 14 goals and providing 29 assists for a total of 43 points in 75 games. He recorded a team-leading average ice time of 22:18. Over his young career, LaCombe has accumulated 16 goals and 44 assists in 148 games.

Last season, among NHL defensemen aged 24 and under, LaCombe ranked third in goals, trailing only Rasmus Dahlin of Buffalo (17 goals) and Thomas Harley of Dallas (16 goals).

“It was an easy decision for me to commit my future to the Ducks and Orange County,” LaCombe stated. “We are building something special here and I am excited to do everything I can to help this team win.”

Drafted in the second round (39th overall) by the Ducks in 2019, LaCombe played four seasons at the University of Minnesota before making his professional debut late in the 2022-23 season.