The Anaheim Ducks have entered the chat when it comes to a week of rich extensions being signed across the National Hockey League. Via insider Elliotte Friedman, the Ducks have extended defenseman Jackson LaCombe to a 8 year $9 million contract. Of note, this is the richest contract signed in the Ducks franchise history.
LaCombe gets a major bag in Anaheim, coming off a breakout season from the talented dman. LaCombe recorded 14 goals and 29 assists for 43 points in 75 games last season.
Over the course of his 148 regular season game career in Anaheim, LaCombe has amassed 16 goals and 44 assists for 60 points.
What does this move mean for Anaheim?
For the Ducks, they get a vital piece of their young defensive core extended for the long term future, albeit at quite a high praise. LaCombe will be surprisingly making the same amount as Luke Hughes on this deal as the Ducks feel his value is comparable to the Devils defenseman.
Time will tell with respect to how well this contract ages. LaCombe is one of many exciting American defenseman to watch for the future and will be expected to play a key role in helping to bring his Ducks team out of the rebuild and back into playoff contention.
Between LaCombe, Owen Zellweger and Pavel Mintyukov the Ducks appear to have one of the brightest future D cores in the league. They should be a fun team to watch soon as excitement ramps up in Anaheim in a new era for the club.