Florida Panthers’ Seth Jones to Miss Olympics Due to Injury, Replaced by Anaheim Ducks’ Jackson LaCombe
Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones will miss the upcoming Olympics due to an upper-body injury, USA Hockey announced on Wednesday. Jones, who was initially considered to be out on a week-to-week basis, has been moved to long-term injured reserve (LTIR) and will be replaced by Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe on the United States men’s national team.
Jones sustained the injury in the first period of the Panthers’ 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers in the Winter Classic on January 2. The decision to move him to LTIR raised questions about his availability for the Olympics, which are set to begin on February 12 in Milan, Italy. The United States men’s national team will face Latvia in its first game, and LaCombe will now be a part of the roster as the team seeks to win its third Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey and its first since 1980.
Jackson LaCombe: A Rising Star in the NHL
LaCombe, 25, has been making a strong case for himself in the NHL, particularly in his second full campaign with the Ducks. He improved significantly from his rookie season, scoring 14 goals and 43 points while logging over 22 minutes per game. This season, he has continued to impress, with six goals and 31 points in 49 contests, averaging over 24 minutes per game. His performance earned him a spot on the Team USA roster that won the world championship title in May, the country’s first since 1960.
LaCombe’s addition to the Olympic roster brings a new dimension to the team’s defensive unit. At 6-foot-2, he provides a sizable presence on the back end, and his puck-moving skills make him a valuable asset in 5-on-5 play and on the power play. He has also logged over 100 short-handed minutes in three consecutive seasons, demonstrating his ability to contribute in various situations. LaCombe will join a defensive unit that already features notable players such as Brock Faber, Quinn Hughes, Noah Hanifin, Charlie McAvoy, Jake Sanderson, Jaccob Slavin, and Zach Werenski.
Implications for Team USA
The replacement of Jones with LaCombe could have significant implications for Team USA’s chances at the Olympics. LaCombe’s skills and experience will undoubtedly be an asset to the team, but the loss of Jones is still a significant blow. Jones is a seasoned player with a wealth of experience, and his absence will be felt. However, with LaCombe on board, the team still has a strong chance of making a deep run in the tournament. As the Olympics approach, fans will be eagerly watching to see how LaCombe performs on the international stage and how Team USA fares without Jones.
According to USA Hockey, the decision to replace Jones with LaCombe was made after careful consideration and consultation with the team’s medical staff. The organization is confident that LaCombe will be a valuable addition to the roster and help the team achieve its goals at the Olympics. With the tournament just around the corner, fans can expect an exciting and competitive series of games, and LaCombe’s performance will be closely watched as he represents the United States on the international stage.
