Ducks Take Control: LaCombe Emerging as a Playoff Superstar

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Ducks Take Control: LaCombe Emerging as a Playoff Superstar

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk
By Nicholas Giannone | Last updated Apr 28, 2026 11:03 AM ET

After dropping Game 1, the Anaheim Ducks have taken full control of their series against the Edmonton Oilers, and now hold onto a 3-1 series lead.

The Ducks have had many standout performances from players this series; however, none stand above Jackson LaCombe. The young defenceman leads the NHL in playoff scoring with eight points, including one goal over four games. He was a key contributor during game four, where he set up Cutter Gauthier on the power-play, as well as Jeffrey Viel‘s game-tying goal. LaCombe’s play has earned him more points as generational talent Connor McDavid over the span of their series.

Jackson LaCombe’s Breakout Season in Anaheim

LaCombe has emerged as one of the best young defencemen in the NHL this season, showing signs of being a future number one defenceman. The Minnesota native was selected 39th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, proving to be one of the biggest steals of this generation. LaCombe had a strong regular season in Anaheim, recording 58 points in all 82 games, and was selected to represent Team USA during its gold-medal run at the Milano Cortina Olympics in February.

The 25-year-old has been near perfect in all three zones this postseason, proving how valuable he is to this Ducks roster. Over the first four games of this series, LaCombe has averaged 26:42 of ice time and almost played a career-high 29:54 in the Ducks’ overtime win on Sunday. He has registered at least two points in each of the team’s wins. His eight points over his first four playoff games tie for the second most in NHL history alongside Cyclone Taylor in 1918, while trailing Joe Micheletti with nine points in 1981.

The Ducks’ play has shocked the Oilers at times this series, but it would be hard to imagine where they would sit without LaCombe in the lineup. LaCombe has played a very crucial part in their lineup, and it will look to continue that way as the Ducks gear up for game five in Edmonton on Tuesday.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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