From Forward to Franchise Defenseman: Jackson LaCombe
(AP Photo/Ryan Sun, file)
October 2, 2025, marked a day of surprise and relief for many Anaheim Duck’s fans. In a shock to many, Jackson LaCombe was signed to an eight-year, $72-million contract extension where he will remain in Orange Country through the 2033-34 NHL Season. LaCombe is now officially the highest-paid player in Anaheim Duck’s history.
After LaCombe accepted his extension offer, Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek exclaimed, “You deserve it and you earned it” (NHL, 2025).
Believe it or not, this talented defenseman was originally raised and trained as a forward. On his under-18 team, he was the 12th forward and described by his former coach as “never the go-to guy.” According to LaCombe, his college preparatory school, Shattuck St. Mary’s, was short on defensemen, prompting him to make the switch. He explained, “I figured, why not try it out? I really liked it. It’s been a good switch ever since. That’s kind of how it went”.
LaCombe’s former head coach at Shattuck St. Mary’s said this about him in an interview: “For a long time, he just came to the rink as a kid who loved to play and worked hard and was really humble… then, ‘BOOM.’ Here we go. He’s got a chance to be a good one. He really does” (Umhoefer, 2019).
The young, star-caliber defenseman has put up some impressive numbers in his first few NHL seasons. LaCombe has played for the Anaheim Ducks for a total of three seasons, from 2023 to present. Thus far, he has skated in 148 NHL games, totaling 16 goals and 44 assists.
LaCombe, the proven and extremely talented defenseman is a 6’2, 24-year old from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, weighing in at 208 pounds. He was originally drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the second-round at 39th overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
LaCombe’s journey from an under-18 forward to one of the NHL’s rising defensive stars is nothing short of incredible. His dedication and adaptability have solidified his place as a cornerstone of the Anaheim Ducks’ future. With this long-term deal, both LaCombe and the Ducks have made a clear statement. The organization is building around its young core, and LaCombe will be a key piece leading the way for years to come.
References
Behind the Scenes as LaCombe Signs Contract Extension. NHL (2025). https://www.nhl.com/ducks/video/bts-lacombe-signs-eight-year-contract-extension-6380791650112
Temporary switch from forward to defense turned into career move for LaCombe. Elite Prospects (2019). https://www.eliteprospects.com/news/nhl-entry-draft-2019/temporary-switch-from-forward-to-defense-turned-into-career-move-for-lacombe
