Anaheim Ducks September Series: 2024-25 Expectations for Jackson LaCombe – Hockey Writers – Anaheim Ducks

Let’s go back to the defensive side of the puck as we continue our pre-training camp series setting expectations for several key pieces of the Anaheim Ducks’ 2024-25 roster. What’s next? Jackson LaCombe, the Ducks just re-signed to a two-year extension back in July.

The smooth-skating defenseman had moments in his rookie campaign when he impressed, but struggled defensively resulting in the team’s second-worst combine/subtraction rating behind Cam Fowler. A strong, healthy, and complete team around him should help him maximize his potential this season, so let’s take a look at what’s in store for the 23-year-old LaCombe.

LaCombe Enters Critical Situation in 2023-24

LaCombe had a lot of people last season when it comes to defensive tackles. No one on the blue line was very good, and that includes veterans Fowler and Radko Gudas, though Gudas finished as the only ‘plus’ player on defense with an impressive plus-14. But more importantly, 2023-24 was a season of transition for the Ducks across the board, replacing veteran shortstops like Kevin Shattenkirk, Simon Benoit, Nathan Beaulieu, and other starters Pavel Mintyukov, Tristan Luneau, and LaCombe, not to mention Gudas, who joined as a free agent. The benefit was a much-needed change away from their worst statistical season in team history by several metrics (129 goal differential, 338 goals conceded, 4.12 goals allowed per game) and to a youth organization that will improve their roster going forward. .

LaCombe was one of the most exciting young players to earn a spot on the roster for the season opener. After four seasons with the University of Minnesota, he entered at age 22, slightly older than his teammates starting in 2023-24. His season has been similar to his teammates on defense: impressive skating and passing, but much to be desired on the defensive side of the game. He, like many last season, made too many mistakes as he transitioned to the pro game. Things like defensive transitions, issues with defensive coverage and awareness, and moving the puck quickly enough are rarely seen in young defensemen, and LaCombe was certainly a guilty party. There are many reasons for that, however.

Not to make excuses for any of the Ducks defensemen, but the blue line was loaded on the left side last season, forcing some guys, especially LaCombe, to play offhand, or right, on defense. If anyone needs a refresher on why playing on your front end is important, just watch blacklisted Mike Babcock sum it up, and you’ll understand why it makes sense. Then, each defender was tasked with stepping into bigger roles quickly. Yes, Fowler, Gudas, and Ilya Lyubushkin fill out the defensive pairing, but the likes of LaCombe and Minttyukov, who have played all season with the big team, become key members of the blue line with significant responsibility. No time to fix, no ease; It’s just NHL hockey. That’s not easy.

LaCombe Should Not Need to Play Out of Role in 2024-25

A full season of scouting gave head coach Greg Cronin and general manager Pat Verbeek two things about LaCombe. First, the confidence that the team will be better off if they re-sign him, do so. And secondly, a good idea of ​​what he can do on the ice and where he fits in the lineup. The most likely place is at the corresponding level in the second or third defensive pairing.

Related: Ducks September Series: 2024-25 Expectations for Pavel Mintyukov

Mintyukov, Zellweger, Fowler, and Gudas will likely fill the top four roles. Unless the Ducks trade Fowler for Luneau in the top four, the Ducks will still have defensemen playing in their offhand, but these four are the most complete the Ducks have. It leaves LaCombe in no reasonable position to earn a top four spot. However, if it is unlikely that he will seek playing time and will be asked mainly to handle the responsibilities of the defense, the role of participating in the third, next to Luneau, or maybe the newcomer Brian Dumoulin, makes a lot of sense. That’s a role he can definitely fill as he continues to round out his game. At 6-foot-2, he has size and can slide well. He can also handle and distribute the puck which are good foundational pieces for an impact NHL defenseman. A crowded depth chart and prospect pipeline may prevent him from seeing a chance in a Ducks uniform, but he’ll have two seasons to prove he deserves a long-term spot.

LaCombe Will Be Part Of Better Ducks Defense This Season

The Ducks wouldn’t have re-signed LaCombe if they didn’t feel he could help the team. The two-year deal means they want to see more from him, but it also coincides with the expiration of many of the Ducks’ contracts. That doesn’t necessarily mean his future is predetermined, but the exact timing is interesting if Verbeek will need to be flexible then to re-sign Leo Carlsson, Trevor Zegras, Mintyukov, and Zellweger. Sheesh.

That said, LaCombe has a chance, starting with training camp, to come in motivated and build on his rookie season. As we mentioned in other player previews recently, a young, refreshed, and healthy Ducks roster should serve as a rising tide that lifts all boats in 2024-25. How much of an increase remains to be seen, but it all starts on October 12 against the San Jose Sharks.