The roster context mentions other defensemen considered, including Lane Hutson, with cautious evaluation from GM Bill Guerin and the impact of LTIR on Adam Fox’s availability.

Jones has long pursued Olympic participation and remains a notable Dallas/Fort Worth sports figure with ties to local teams.

Sources cited include Rotoballer and ESPN reporting on the roster change and Jones’s injury.

Lane Hutson is highlighted as the preferred standout offense-first defenseman, making LaCombe’s selection a noteworthy omission for balance.

LaCombe has pursued unconventional training, including martial arts, to boost confidence and readiness.

LaCombe signed a record-contract extension with the Ducks worth $72 million, marking a peak moment in his career.

Jones’s father spoke proudly, framing the moment as potentially inspirational for Texas youth and Black athletes, and as a trailblazing story for kids following in his son’s footsteps.

Jackson LaCombe of the Anaheim Ducks has been named to Team USA’s roster for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, stepping in for Panthers defenseman Seth Jones who is out with an upper-body injury.

LaCombe, who just turned 25, helped the U.S. win the world championships last year, the first U.S. title since 1933.

Team USA begins play on February 12 against Latvia, as the Olympic roster reshuffle takes effect following Jones’s absence.

The article also promotes Panthers coverage on WPTV, including a new show and online content, though this is ancillary to the main sports news.

Analysts on Daily Faceoff LIVE expressed surprise at the selection, noting Hutson’s higher offensive ceiling and suggesting the tradeoffs between offense and two-way reliability.