The NHL has seen a bunch of new talent this season, Macklin Celebrini, Matvei Michkov, and Aliaksei Protas, but one player in the western conference could be making his case as to why he could be on his way to becoming one of the NHL’s best defenseman, the Ducks Jackson LaCombe.
The 24 year old defenseman from Minnesota was selected 39th overall in the 2019 NHL draft, and after four developmental years at the University of Minnesota, Anaheim’s patience may have just paid off. LaCombe started his NHL career last season playing 71 games with the Ducks, scoring 17 points, with a +/- of -24. But this year, LaCombe has really found himself comfortable in the orange county, making his name known as a mainstream defenseman in the league. Currently in the 2024/25 season, LaCombe has already more than doubled his points tally from last season, putting up 41 points in 65 games, becoming one of the main playmakers for the Ducks.
But regardless of his points, LaCombe has upped his game to another level and is starting to cement his place as a top two defenseman on the Ducks. LaCombe’s vision, knowledge and physicality is a perfect combo for a top 10 NHL defenseman, and shades of production much like Makar and Hughes, LaCombe could quickly become a proven top 10 d-man.
LaCombe not only has great offensive awareness, but with a +/- of +4 so far this season is exceptional for a struggling Ducks team who let in a lot of goals. Much like other elite defenseman in the NHL, it is obvious the impact that the 24 year old has when he enters the ice, and the production and game changing abilities he has amongst his teammates will be a massive help for the Ducks going forward.
His play on the ice, and signs of leadership early in his career is highlighting how he could be an elite defenseman in years to come. The Ducks combo of Zellweger and LaCombe could be an extremely dangerous top two defensive pairing for years to come, but LaCombe in particular is already on his way to becoming one of the best d-men in the game ,so lookout for the nifty Ducks blue liner.
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