U.S. drops Seth Jones from Olympic roster, replaces with Jackson LaCombe

Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones will miss the 2026 Winter Olympics after suffering an upper-body injury during the Winter Classic on January 2. USA Hockey announced on Wednesday that Anaheim Ducks blueliner Jackson LaCombe will take his place on the roster for the tournament in Milan-Cortina, Italy. Jones, 31, was placed on long-term injured reserve on Monday following the Panthers’ 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers.

The injury initially sidelined Jones on a week-to-week basis, but his LTIR placement cast doubts on his availability for Team USA’s opener against Latvia on February 12. LaCombe, 25, steps in as a rising star who has made a compelling case with his play for Anaheim. This marks the first NHL player replacement for the U.S. men’s team ahead of the Olympics, where NHLers are returning after a 12-year absence.

The injury that changed Team USA’s plans

Seth Jones’ injury occurred early in the Winter Classic, forcing him out of the game against the Rangers. What started as an expected week-to-week absence escalated when the Panthers moved him to LTIR, signaling a longer recovery. Panthers coach Paul Maurice addressed Jones’ status on Tuesday, noting, “There was originally a week-to-week idea. Then it was 2-4 [weeks] or whatever, but it will be the full extent of that.”

This development raised immediate questions about Jones’ Olympic participation. At 31, he brought veteran experience and size to the blue line, assets Team USA valued highly. His absence creates a gap in defensive reliability, especially given his history in international play.

USA Hockey acted swiftly to fill the void, turning to LaCombe. The decision underscores the depth in American defensemen but also highlights the risks of late injuries ahead of major tournaments. Jones’ recovery timeline now points beyond the preliminary round, which runs from February 12-15 for Group C.

The U.S. roster adjustment is the first of its kind for these Olympics, setting a precedent for how teams manage health protocols in the final stretch. More details emerged from NHL.com, confirming LaCombe’s addition.

Jackson LaCombe’s breakout season earns Olympic call-up

Jackson LaCombe has emerged as one of the Ducks’ top performers in his second full NHL season. The 25-year-old has tallied six goals and 31 points in 49 games, averaging over 24 minutes of ice time per contest. Standing at 6-foot-2, he offers the size and puck-moving ability Team USA sought to replace Jones.

Last season, LaCombe jumped from two goals and 17 points in 71 rookie games to 14 goals and 43 points, logging more than 22 minutes nightly. His penalty-kill usage exceeds 100 minutes in each of the past three seasons, adding versatility. At the 2025 World Championships, he helped USA win gold—their first since 1960 and only the third ever.

LaCombe attended the U.S. Olympic orientation camp in August but downplayed his chances then. “Obviously just at this camp is awesome for me to experience and then get to meet all these other guys,” he said. “I’m just happy with where I’m at and trying to take it one day at a time and enjoy it.” His selection validates that steady progress.

Drafted 39th overall by Anaheim in 2019, LaCombe has 91 points in 197 career games. His inclusion bolsters a defense already stacked with talent.

Strengthening Team USA’s defensive core

LaCombe joins an elite group on the back end:

• Brock Faber (Minnesota Wild)
• Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks)
• Noah Hanifin (Vegas Golden Knights)
• Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins)
• Jake Sanderson (Ottawa Senators)
• Jaccob Slavin (Carolina Hurricanes)
• Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets)

This unit combines shutdown defenders with offensive threats. LaCombe fits as a two-way option, capable on the power play and penalty kill. His size aids in board battles during 5-on-5 play.

Team USA sits in Group C, facing Latvia (Feb. 12), Denmark (Feb. 14), and Germany (Feb. 15). The top group winner and best second-place team advance directly to quarterfinals, with others in qualifiers. The gold-medal game is February 22.

Historically, the U.S. last won men’s Olympic gold in 1980 at Lake Placid. LaCombe’s world championship success hints at his potential impact. For more on the roster shift, see the ESPN report.

The Americans aim to end a 46-year drought, leveraging NHL depth unavailable since 2014 Sochi.

What this means for Olympic gold hopes

LaCombe’s promotion maintains balance without compromising quality. While Jones’ leadership is missed, the incoming Duck brings fresh legs and current form. Team USA’s defense remains one of the tournament’s deepest, setting up favorable matchups in preliminaries.

Injuries test roster construction, but USA Hockey’s quick pivot shows preparedness. LaCombe’s international pedigree from the worlds bodes well for high-stakes games. As the Olympics approach, all eyes turn to Milan-Cortina.

This adjustment positions Team USA strongly for a medal run, potentially recapturing glory absent since the Miracle on Ice. Fans can expect puck possession and physicality from the blue line.