Jackson Trevor LaCombe Bio
Jackson Trevor LaCombe is an American professional ice hockey defenseman and alternate captain for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on January 9, 2001, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, LaCombe was selected 39th overall by the Ducks in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. He emerged as a highly regarded two-way defenseman during his collegiate career with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, where he set a school record for points by a defenseman. LaCombe made his NHL debut in April 2023 and has since become a key contributor on the Ducks blue line. Internationally, he has represented the United States at multiple tournaments, most notably winning gold medals at the 2021 World Junior Championships and the 2025 World Championships.
Early Life and Background
Jackson LaCombe grew up in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis known for producing competitive youth hockey players. His early development in hockey took place within Minnesota’s rich amateur hockey system, which has long been recognized as one of the premier pipelines for professional talent in North America. LaCombe attended Shattuck-Saint Mary’s, a prestigious preparatory school in Faribault, Minnesota, renowned for its elite hockey program that has developed numerous NHL players.
During his time at Shattuck-Saint Mary’s, LaCombe quickly established himself as a standout defenseman with exceptional offensive instincts. In 2016, he helped the school capture the USA Hockey Youth Tier I 14U national championship. His most remarkable season came during his senior year in 2018-19, when he set the school record for points by a defenseman with 89 points, demonstrating the rare combination of defensive reliability and offensive creativity that would define his playing style at higher levels.
Path to Professional Hockey
LaCombe’s outstanding performance at Shattuck-Saint Mary’s earned him recognition as a top prospect heading into the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. The Anaheim Ducks selected him with the 39th overall pick, identifying him as a player with significant upside due to his skating ability, hockey sense, and capacity to contribute offensively from the back end. Following his selection, LaCombe continued his development by committing to play collegiate hockey at the University of Minnesota.
His trajectory through the amateur ranks included valuable international experience with USA Hockey’s national team development program, which prepared him for the intensity and speed of higher-level competition. The combination of his Shattuck-Saint Mary’s credentials and his draft status positioned him as one of the more promising defensive prospects to emerge from Minnesota in recent years.
Jackson Trevor LaCombe Career
College Career with Minnesota Golden Gophers (2019-2023)
LaCombe began his collegiate career with the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the 2019-20 season. As a freshman, he made an immediate impact by recording three goals and ten assists in 37 games. His defensive presence was equally notable, as he led all Big Ten freshman defensemen with 61 blocked shots and ranked second among freshman defensemen in scoring. For his impressive debut season, LaCombe was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, signaling his potential as a future professional player.
His sophomore season in 2020-21 represented a significant breakthrough. LaCombe recorded four goals and 17 assists in just 27 games, showcasing improved offensive production and consistency. His outstanding performance earned him placement on the All-Big Ten First Team and recognition as an AHCA Second Team All-American, cementing his status as one of the top collegiate defensemen in the country. The combination of his two seasons established him as a complete two-way defenseman capable of contributing in all situations.
Anaheim Ducks Professional Career (2023-Present)
On April 10, 2023, LaCombe signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks. The following day, he made his NHL debut against the Vancouver Canucks in a 3-2 loss, taking the first steps of his professional career. The transition from college to the NHL came after four seasons of development at Minnesota, where he established himself as a record-setting defenseman.
LaCombe scored his first NHL goal on January 20, 2024, during a game against the San Jose Sharks in a 5-3 loss. The milestone marked his emergence as a scoring threat from the blue line at the professional level. His rookie season provided valuable experience learning the speed and tactical demands of the NHL while adjusting to the rigors of a grueling 82-game schedule.
On October 2, 2025, LaCombe signed an eight-year contract extension with the Anaheim Ducks, a testament to the organization’s confidence in his long-term potential. The deal, taking effect at the start of the 2026-27 season, secured his future with the franchise and recognized the progress he had made since joining the team. He serves as an alternate captain for the Ducks, reflecting his leadership role within the team structure.
Playing Style and Strengths
LaCombe is known as a modern-day two-way defenseman who combines solid defensive positioning with the ability to contribute offensively. His skating allows him to close gaps effectively and recover pucks quickly, while his hockey sense enables him to read developing plays and make smart decisions with the puck. His left-handed shot and ability to transition smoothly from defense to offense make him a valuable asset on the power play and during even-strength transitions.
Notable International Achievements
LaCombe has represented the United States at multiple international tournaments throughout his career. At the 2021 World Junior Championships, he recorded one assist in six games while helping Team USA win the gold medal. He made his senior national team debut at the 2025 World Championship, contributing two goals and three assists in ten games as the United States captured its first gold medal in the tournament since 1933. On January 21, 2026, he was named to the United States Olympic roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics, joining the gold medal-winning team on the podium despite not playing during the competition.
Jackson Trevor LaCombe Career Wins
Throughout his career, LaCombe has accumulated significant achievements at both the amateur and international levels, establishing himself as a successful two-way defenseman before advancing to professional hockey.
International Championship Wins
LaCombe won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2021 World Junior Championships, defeating Canada in the championship game. He followed this achievement with another gold medal at the 2025 World Championship, where he played a contributing role on defense during the United States’ historic run to the title. These two championship victories represent his most significant career accomplishments at the international level, demonstrating his ability to perform in high-pressure situations against the world’s best players.
Collegiate Honors
During his two seasons with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, LaCombe earned All-Big Ten First Team honors and was recognized as an AHCA Second Team All-American during his sophomore season. He was also named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team during his debut campaign. His 89-point senior season at Shattuck-Saint Mary’s remains a school record for defensemen.
Family
Personal Life
LaCombe grew up in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, where he developed his passion for hockey in a region known for its strong youth hockey tradition. His background in Minnesota’s amateur hockey system provided him with the foundation to advance through the developmental ranks successfully. LaCombe’s family supported his hockey ambitions throughout his youth career, enabling him to attend Shattuck-Saint Mary’s and pursue his goal of playing at the highest levels of the sport.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NHL season marked a pivotal year in LaCombe’s professional development with the Anaheim Ducks. Building on the experience gained during his initial full seasons in the league, he continued to establish himself as a reliable two-way defenseman capable of logging significant minutes in various situations. His offensive instincts from the blue line remained a valuable component of his game, as he contributed key assists and maintained a strong presence in transition.
Internationally, the 2025 World Championship provided LaCombe with an opportunity to showcase his abilities on the senior national stage. His performance in the tournament, which included multiple goals and assists during the gold medal run, reinforced his status as one of the top American defensemen in the international ranks. The championship victory served as a significant milestone in his career, combining with his NHL experience to validate his development trajectory.
Looking ahead, LaCombe’s long-term future with the Anaheim Ducks appears secure following his eight-year extension signed in October 2025. The contract extension reflects the organization’s belief in his continued growth and potential to become a foundational player on their blue line. As he enters the prime years of his career, LaCombe aims to build upon his early professional success and establish himself as a consistent impact player for both the Ducks and Team USA.