USA Hockey announced that defenceman Jackson LaCombe has been named to United States for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games in Italy. LaCombe replaces Seth Jones, who was ruled out after suffering an upper-body injury earlier this month.
Jackson LaCombe has been named to the 2026 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team, replacing Seth Jones.#MilanoCortina2026
Details: https://t.co/Rb28VuWgks pic.twitter.com/lkX5Cqscpi
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) January 21, 2026
Jackson LaCombe Olympics Selection Confirmed
Seth Jones sustained the injury during the Discover NHL Winter Classic on January 2nd. Unfortunately, Jones will not be able to recover in time for the Olympic tournament. As a result, USA Hockey turned to LaCombe, adding the Ducks blueliner to a roster that will feature NHL players for the first time since 2014.
LaCombe, 25, is in the midst of a breakout season with Anaheim. He has recorded 31 points on six goals and 25 assists through 49 games while playing a significant role at even strength and on the power play. His selection reflects both current form and growing trust in his all-situations reliability.
Why LaCombe Was the Choice for Team USA
Meanwhile, the Jackson LaCombe Olympics decision has prompted some fans to question the decision. Fans are asking why the replacement was not Lane Hutson, another high-profile American defenceman. However, Team USA’s choice appears rooted in role fit and experience rather than upside alone.
LaCombe has logged heavy NHL minutes this season and has already proven himself in international play. Notably, he won a gold medal with the United States at the 2025 World Championships, giving him recent experience in short tournaments played on international ice. That background likely mattered to general manager Bill Guerin for a roster adjustment made this close to the Olympics.
In contrast, while Hutson’s offensive skillset is widely recognized, Team USA already features several puck-moving defencemen. LaCombe’s two-way profile and comfort in tougher defensive assignments offer balance, particularly as a more direct replacement for Jones rather than a foundational roster addition.
What It Means for LaCombe and the Ducks
From Anaheim’s perspective, the Jackson LaCombe Olympics selection represents a major milestone. LaCombe has steadily progressed from a second-round pick in 2019 into a trusted NHL defenceman, and international recognition reinforces his importance to the Ducks’ blueline.
At the same time, the honour adds another layer to his current season. The Ducks will continue to lean on LaCombe in high-leverage situations, knowing he will also be preparing for a rare Olympic opportunity. For Team USA, his addition provides stability and familiarity as it looks to contend for a medal. USA Hockey is looking to win Olympic gold for the first time since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice“.
Ultimately, LaCombe’s inclusion underscores how quickly his role has grown. As the destination Milano-Cortina approaches, he now stands set to represent both his country and the Ducks on hockey’s biggest international stage.
Main Photo: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Anaheim goal!Scored by Jackson LaCombe with 14:41 remaining in the 2nd period.Assisted by Beckett Sennecke and Cutter Gauthier.Pittsburgh: 1Anaheim: 1#ANAvsPIT #LetsGoPens #FlyTogether
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2025-12-10T01:17:12.453795Z