Emergence of Anaheim Ducks’ Number One Defenceman

Anaheim Ducks defenceman Jackson LaCombe emerges as the team’s number-one blueliner this season. See how he’s become Anaheim’s go-to d-man.

The Anaheim Ducks Emerging Top Defenceman

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NHL, young players often need time to find their footing before making a significant impact. That was the case for Jackson LaCombe last season. In and out of the Anaheim Ducks lineup, the young defenceman struggled to solidify a consistent role in the team’s young and developing defensive core. However, fast forward to this season or more specifically the last two months and LaCombe is emerging not just as a regular, but as the Ducks’ best defenceman. He is a player Greg Cronin trusts in all situations, including shutting down the league’s best.

A prolific performance on March 4, 2025, punctuated his meteoric rise as the Ducks defeated the Edmonton Oilers 6-2. LaCombe posted a 7.68 GameScore, the highest single-game rating of any NHL player this season, according to Hockey Stat Cards. What made this feat even more impressive was the quality of competition – Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, two of the most dominant offensive forces in the game. LaCombe, alongside his usual D-partner Radko Gudas, played heavy minutes against Edmonton’s superstars. Against the league’s best, LaCombe not only held his own but thrived. There is a strong case to be made that playing alongside a defensive defenceman like Gudas gives LaCombe the freedom to join the rush and play a more offensive game; sounds like good lineup management.

From Roster Bubble to Defensive Anchor

LaCombe’s journey to become Anaheim’s top defenceman wasn’t immediate. Last season, he moved between the lineup, the press box, and the AHL with San Diego. Struggling to carve out a full-time role on a rebuilding Ducks squad, LaCombe lacked the confidence a young player needs to succeed in the NHL. At times, he showed flashes of the two-way ability that made him a second-round pick in 2019 and a standout on a phenomenal Minnesota Gophers team. However, inconsistency and defensive lapses kept him from securing a permanent spot.

However, this season is a different story. The Ducks entered the year wondering which one of their young defensive prospects would rise to the occasion and become their new number one. The Ducks were spoiled with defensive talent through strong drafting. Jamie Drysdale became the casualty of too many young, promising defencemen.  The departure of long-time stalwart Cam Fowler forced the Ducks to give their young defencemen more minutes. While names like Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger were expected to step up, LaCombe is the one who has seized the opportunity. His blend of mobility, poise, offensive IQ, and defensive awareness has made him Anaheim’s go-to option in all key situations.