Team USA Roster Shakeup: Seth Jones Out, Jackson LaCombe In for 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics
The road to Olympic gold just hit a major speed bump for Team USA. USA Hockey officially announced a significant change to its defensive corps for the upcoming 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, as veteran defenseman Seth Jones has been forced to withdraw from the roster due to injury. Stepping into the spotlight to replace him is Jackson LaCombe, the rising star from the Anaheim Ducks who has been enjoying a career-defining season.
The Seth Jones Injury: A Blow to the Blue Line
The Seth Jones injury comes at a devastating time for both the player and the national program. Jones, a cornerstone for the Florida Panthers and a key leader for the American squad, suffered an upper-body injury during the NHL Winter Classic on January 2. Reports indicate the injury occurred when Jones was struck in the collarbone area by a deflected shot. After being placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) by the Panthers, it became clear that the 31-year-old would not recover in time for the Olympic torch to be lit in Italy.
Jones was expected to be a primary shutdown presence for Team USA, bringing a wealth of international experience to a roster hungry for its first Olympic gold since 1980. Having recently hoisted the Stanley Cup with Florida in 2025, Jones was in the midst of another productive campaign, tallying 24 points in 40 games before the injury sidelined him. His absence leaves a void not just in minutes played, but in veteran leadership in the locker room.
Jackson LaCombe: From Breakout Star to Olympian
While the loss of Jones is significant, the addition of Jackson LaCombe highlights the incredible depth of the American developmental system. LaCombe, 25, has been a revelation for the Anaheim Ducks this season. The Minnesota native has already posted 31 points in 49 games, emerging as a true top-pairing defenseman in the NHL. His recent eight-year, $72 million contract extension with the Ducks is a testament to his value as a premier puck-moving blueliner.
LaCombe is no stranger to the international stage or the pressure of high-stakes hockey. He was a vital part of the U.S. team that secured gold at the 2025 IIHF World Championships and previously won gold at the 2021 World Junior Championship. His ability to facilitate the transition game and contribute to the power play makes him a dynamic, albeit younger, replacement for Jones.
Strategic Shifts for Team USA
The roster swap brings an interesting tactical shift for Team USA head coach John Hynes. Seth Jones is a right-shot defenseman, a commodity often prioritized for defensive balance. LaCombe, however, is a left-shot defender. This change leaves the Americans with a heavier reliance on Charlie McAvoy and Brock Faber as their primary right-handed options on the back end.
Despite the change in handedness, LaCombe’s mobility fits the larger Olympic ice surface perfectly. Team USA's defensive unit remains one of the most formidable in the tournament, featuring stars like Adam Fox and Quinn Hughes. The inclusion of LaCombe adds a youthful energy and a high-end offensive upside that could prove decisive in the knockout stages of the Milan Cortina Olympics.
Looking Ahead to Milan Cortina
Team USA is set to compete in Group C, alongside heavyweights and rising programs alike. With the preliminary round fast approaching, the focus now shifts to how quickly LaCombe can integrate into the defensive pairings. The tournament format features three preliminary games, where the top teams will earn a direct path to the quarterfinals.
The gold medal game is scheduled for February 22, and while the Seth Jones injury is a setback, the American squad remains a top contender for the podium. For Jackson LaCombe, this unexpected call-up represents the opportunity of a lifetime to solidify his status as one of the best young defenders in the world on the grandest stage in sports.
