Jackson LaCombe Bio
Jackson Trevor LaCombe is an American professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman and serves as an alternate captain for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League. Drafted 39th overall by the Ducks in the 2019 NHL entry draft, LaCombe is widely recognized for his smooth skating, two-way reliability, and poise with the puck on the back end. He began his collegiate career with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, where he set a school record for points by a defenseman, and transitioned to the NHL in 2023, quickly establishing himself as a steady contributor on the Anaheim blue line.
Early Life and Background
Jackson Trevor LaCombe was born on January 9, 2001, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, in the United States. Growing up in Minnesota, a state with a deep-rooted hockey tradition, LaCombe was introduced to the sport at a young age and developed his skills within one of the most competitive amateur hockey environments in the country. His early years were shaped by the cold rinks and youth leagues that have produced numerous NHL players from the Twin Cities region.
LaCombe attended Shattuck-Saint Mary’s, a prestigious prep school known for developing elite hockey talent, where he continued to refine his game. He helped Shattuck-Saint Mary’s win the 2016 USA Hockey Youth Tier I 14U national championship, an early indicator of his potential at a high competitive level. During his senior year in the 2018–19 season, he set a school record for points by a defenseman, recording 89 points and cementing his status as a top prospect heading into the NHL draft.
Path to Hockey
LaCombe’s development at Shattuck-Saint Mary’s positioned him as one of the top defensemen in his draft class, and his performance ultimately caught the attention of NHL scouts. In the 2019 NHL entry draft, the Anaheim Ducks selected him 39th overall, marking a significant milestone in his young career. The Ducks valued his blend of size, skating, and offensive instincts from the blue line, and the pick reflected their commitment to rebuilding through promising young talent.
Following his draft, LaCombe committed to the University of Minnesota, joining the Golden Gophers men’s ice hockey program for the 2019–20 season. His time in college allowed him to mature physically and sharpen his game against top-tier competition, while also adjusting to the speed and structure of higher-level hockey. The combination of his prep school pedigree and collegiate experience prepared him for a smooth transition into professional hockey.
Jackson LaCombe Career
Collegiate Career (2019–2022)
LaCombe began his collegiate career with the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the 2019–20 season, stepping immediately into a meaningful role on the blue line. As a freshman, he recorded three goals and ten assists in 37 games, leading all Big Ten freshman defensemen with 61 blocked shots and ranking second in scoring among his peers. His strong debut earned him a place on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, signaling his arrival as one of the conference’s most promising young rearguards.
In his sophomore year during the 2020–21 season, LaCombe elevated his production to four goals and 17 assists in 27 games, showcasing improved offensive instincts and reliable defensive play. Following his outstanding sophomore campaign, he was named to the All-Big Ten First Team and earned AHCA Second Team All-American honors, further establishing himself as a top collegiate defenseman in the nation.
Anaheim Ducks NHL Debut (2023–2025)
On April 10, 2023, LaCombe signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks, officially beginning his professional career. He made his NHL debut the very next day against the Vancouver Canucks in a 2–3 loss, immediately stepping into a regular role on the Anaheim defense. The transition from college hockey to the NHL is rarely seamless, but LaCombe’s preparation and poise allowed him to handle the jump with confidence.
On January 20, 2024, LaCombe scored his first NHL goal against the San Jose Sharks in a 3–5 loss, a memorable milestone that confirmed his growing offensive contributions at the highest level. Throughout his early NHL seasons, he continued to develop his two-way game and earned the trust of the Ducks’ coaching staff, gradually taking on a larger role within the team’s defensive corps.
Long-Term Commitment (2025–Present)
On October 2, 2025, LaCombe signed an eight-year contract extension with the Anaheim Ducks, a deal set to take effect at the start of the 2026–27 season and run through 2034. The lengthy commitment underscored the organization’s belief in LaCombe as a foundational piece of their long-term plans and a key leader on the back end. As an alternate captain, he has embraced expanded responsibilities both on and off the ice.
Driving Style and Strengths
LaCombe is recognized for his smooth skating ability, smart positional play, and composure under pressure, traits that allow him to contribute effectively in all three zones. His offensive instincts enable him to join the rush and quarterback the power play, while his defensive awareness and willingness to block shots reflect his commitment to a complete two-way game. The combination of size, mobility, and hockey IQ makes him a reliable top-four defenseman with continued room for growth.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among LaCombe’s most significant achievements is helping Team USA win a gold medal at the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he recorded one assist in six games. He later made his senior national team debut at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, posting two goals and three assists in ten games while helping the United States claim its first gold medal at the event since 1933. These accomplishments, alongside his first NHL goal and long-term extension, highlight the steady upward trajectory of his career.
Jackson LaCombe Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Public information about Jackson LaCombe’s family background remains limited, and he has generally kept his personal life private. Born and raised in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, he grew up in a region known for its strong hockey culture, which played a significant role in shaping his early development. Details about his parents, siblings, and extended family have not been publicly confirmed, and he has not publicly disclosed information about a spouse or children at this stage of his career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked an important chapter in LaCombe’s development with the Anaheim Ducks, as he continued to grow into a leadership role within the team’s defensive group. Building on his prior NHL experience, he remained a regular contributor on the blue line, logging consistent minutes in a variety of situations and contributing offensively when opportunities arose. His steady presence helped the Ducks maintain defensive structure during a season focused on continued growth and the integration of young talent.
In addition to his club duties, LaCombe represented the United States at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he recorded two goals and three assists in ten games and helped Team USA capture gold. The performance on the international stage further validated his development and added momentum heading into the next phase of his career. His dual commitments at the NHL and international levels underscored his standing as one of the promising American defensemen of his generation.
With the signing of his eight-year extension in October 2025, LaCombe’s long-term future with the Anaheim Ducks was firmly secured, and the agreement set the tone for his role with the franchise moving forward. As the team continues its rebuild, his development into a top-pairing defenseman and alternate captain will be central to its long-term aspirations. The outlook for the coming seasons points toward expanded responsibility, continued growth, and the potential for many more milestone moments in his young career.