Jackson LaCombe (Image Via Twitter) One more time, the Anaheim Ducks have made a bold step in the NHL contract market and propelled defenseman Jackson LaCombe into the center of their future. More recently, long-term stability on the blue line has become a priority for many teams, and Anaheim has entered the mix with a commitment that says trust and ambition. With LaCombe transitioning from prospect to top defender, the Ducks have taken an act that rewrites their history and sets a new precedent.
Jackson LaCombe becomes highest-paid player in Anaheim Ducks history
As reported by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, “Another big deal: the Ducks are making Jackson LaCombe the highest-paid player in franchise history. An 8x$9M AAV extension for the talented young defenceman.”The 24-year-old blueliner’s contract is a massive jump compared to his current one and speaks highly of his rapid ascent. A second-round pick of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, LaCombe broke through in 2024–25, establishing career highs with 14 goals, 29 assists, and 43 points in 75 games. This metamorphosis took an option from being depth to becoming the No. 1 defenseman for Anaheim, which assured him of a contract along the lines of the league’s most valuable young stars.
Future of Anaheim now runs through LaCombe
The extension means more than just dollars—it essentially guarantees LaCombe to be Anaheim’s defensive visage for years to come. Having been on a steady ascent since his 2023 rookie announcement, the Minnesota native has demonstrated that he can handle 20-plus minutes of ice time and provide offensive thrust from the blue line. The Ducks see him as a cornerstone of their franchise, hence pairing him with more veteran leaders such as Radko Gudas to strike a balance between heavy responsibility and learning. And for Anaheim, putting its money even in LaCombe’s hands is a leap of faith: setting out to invest eight years and around $72 million is no trifle, but LaCombe’s breakout season made him too good to overlook. The Ducks, having thrown down this big contract, set a new record inside the organization, proving their faith in him to continue his trajectory upward and on whose shoulders they want to build the very core of their comeback and resurgence.The deal that LaCombe got is more than just paying him-will rewrite the history of the Anaheim Ducks. By making him their highest-paid player ever, Anaheim puts on a huge gamble, with hopes that this homegrown star will bear the brunt of their blue line for nearly a decade.Also Read: Calgary Flames extend head coach Ryan Huska for two more seasons