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Ryan S. Clark
Seth Jones, defenseman for the Florida Panthers, is set to miss the Olympics. USA Hockey announced on Wednesday that Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe will take his place.
Jones was placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) after suffering an upper-body injury during the first period of the Panthers’ 5-1 defeat against the New York Rangers in the Winter Classic on January 2.
The 31-year-old was initially thought to be sidelined for a week, but the transition to LTIR raised concerns about his availability before the USA men’s national team’s first Olympic game on February 12 against Latvia in Milan.
LaCombe is now heading to Italy, aiming to assist Team USA in securing its third Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey, the first since 1980.
At 25, LaCombe showcased his skills during his second full season with the Ducks, making a strong case for Olympic inclusion. He improved from two goals and 17 points in 71 games as a rookie in 2023-24 to 14 goals and 43 points, averaging over 22 minutes per game last season. He entered Wednesday with six goals and 31 points, logging more than 24 minutes per game across 49 matches.
He was part of the Team USA roster that won its first world championship title since 1960 in May, marking only the third time the U.S. secured gold in men’s world championship history.
Including LaCombe in the Olympic lineup would benefit Team USA in multiple ways. At 6-foot-2, he adds another sizable presence to the defense, enhancing their puck-moving capabilities during 5-on-5 play and on the power play. plus, he has accumulated over 100 short-handed minutes for three consecutive seasons.
LaCombe joins a defensive roster that already includes Minnesota Wild’s Brock Faber, Quinn Hughes, as well as Noah Hanifin (Golden Knights), Charlie McAvoy (Bruins), Jake Sanderson (Senators), Jaccob Slavin (Hurricanes), and Zach Werenski (Blue Jackets).
