LaCombe Replaces Injured Jones on US Olympic Roster

USA Hockey announced on Wednesday that Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe will replace injured Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones on the United States men's ice hockey roster for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy. The change comes less than three weeks before the tournament begins on February 11, as the U.S. team prepares for its first Olympic appearance with NHL players since 2014.

Jones, a 31-year-old veteran and right-shot defenseman, suffered an upper-body injury on January 2 during the NHL Winter Classic against the New York Rangers. He was struck in the collarbone by a shot from Rangers forward Alexis Lafrenière and has not played since, landing him on long-term injured reserve. The injury sidelines him for the Games, where he had been one of eight original defensemen selected, including several from the U.S. squad that reached the final of last year's 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.

LaCombe, 25, steps in for his Olympic debut after earning a spot through strong international play. The left-shot defenseman from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, helped the U.S. capture gold at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, its first since 1933, where he recorded two goals...