Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Team USA Replaces Injured Defenseman With Ducks Standout

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Jan 21, 2026 12:40 PM ET

While it’s bad news for one member of the team and good news for a new Olympian, Team USA has made a roster swap for the Winter Olympics. Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones is out, and Anaheim Ducks young star Jackson LaCombe is in.

Seravalli tweeted on Wednesday, “News: #FlyTogether Jackson LaCombe is replacing #TimeToHunt defenseman Seth Jones on the U.S. Olympic roster. Jones is “injured and unable to participate.” Team USA followed up right away with its own statement.

Jackson LaCombe has been named to the 2026 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team, replacing Seth Jones.#MilanoCortina2026

Details: https://t.co/Rb28VuWgks pic.twitter.com/lkX5Cqscpi
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) January 21, 2026

They write:

“USA Hockey announced today that Jackson LaCombe (Eden Prairie, Minn./Anaheim Ducks/University of Minnesota), a defenseman from the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks, has been named to the 2026 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team.”

LaCombe, now in his third full NHL season, steps in for Jones after helping the United States capture its first IIHF Men’s World Championship gold since 1933 this past May.

In addition to helping the U.S. win gold in the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship, LaCombe was also part of the gold medal-winning U.S. National Junior Team at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship.

He played four years of college hockey at the University of Minnesota (2019-23), serving as an alternate captain his final campaign.

Team USA begins its Olympic tournament Feb. 12 against Latvia in Milan, Italy. The game starts at 9:10 p.m. local (3:10 p.m. ET) and will air on USA Network and Peacock.

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

More must-reads: