Anaheim Ducks' Jackson LaCombe Named to Team USA Olympic Roster as Injured Seth Jones Withdraws

Team USA Hockey announced a significant roster change on Thursday as Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe was named to replace Florida Panthers star Seth Jones on the United States Olympic men's ice hockey team for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. Jones, a veteran NHL defenseman and one of Team USA's most experienced players, will miss the Olympics due to an upper-body injury he sustained during the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic on January 2. The injury occurred when Jones was struck near the left collarbone by a deflected shot from New York Rangers forward Alexis Lafreniere during the outdoor showcase game. LaCombe, 25, earns his first Olympic selection after an impressive rise through USA Hockey's international program. The University of Minnesota product helped lead Team USA to its first gold medal at the IIHF Men's World Championship since 1933 last May, showcasing the two-way ability and poise that made him an attractive replacement for Jones. In his third full NHL season with the Ducks, LaCombe has emerged as a reliable defensive presence, contributing both offensively and defensively while logging substantial minutes in Anaheim's top-four defense pairings. His 28 points in 52 games this season have demonstrated his ability to contribute at both ends of the ice. Jones's absence represents a significant loss for Team USA, as the 29-year-old brings extensive playoff experience and international pedigree that would have been invaluable in the high-pressure Olympic environment. Selected third overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2013 NHL Draft, Jones has been a fixture on the Panthers' blue line since joining the team and was expected to play a shutdown role against the world's elite forwards. His injury, which has kept him out of action for over a month, proved too severe to risk aggravating in Olympic competition, forcing USA Hockey's management team to make the difficult decision to replace him on the roster. LaCombe joins a deep American defensive corps that includes established stars and promising young talents, tasked with helping Team USA pursue its first Olympic gold medal in men's hockey since the iconic "Miracle on Ice" in 1980. His selection reflects USA Hockey's confidence in his ability to step into a prominent role on the international stage, particularly given his recent World Championship performance. The Milano Cortina Olympics mark the first time since 2014 that NHL players are participating in the Winter Games, raising the stakes and competition level significantly. Team USA will rely on LaCombe's skating ability, hockey IQ, and composure under pressure as they navigate a challenging tournament bracket. The men's ice hockey tournament at Milano Cortina 2026 officially began on Thursday following the Olympic opening ceremony, with Team USA scheduled to face preliminary round opponents in the coming days. LaCombe is expected to join the team immediately after clearing the NHL's Olympic break protocol, which began after games concluded on February 5. For the Ducks' young defenseman, this represents a career-defining opportunity to prove himself on hockey's biggest stage and potentially cement his status as a cornerstone piece for both Anaheim and future USA Hockey teams. His journey from World Championship hero to Olympic roster member in less than a year highlights the rapid trajectory of his development and the high regard in which he is held by national team decision-makers.