When you look at the Edmonton Oilers, most people talk about the superstars up top.
McDavid, Draisaitl, the offensive juggernaut.
But if you dig a little deeper, you start looking at the guys who do the heavy lifting in the corners.
Jackson Lacombe is one of those players.
He’s not going to put up 50 goals, but from what I’ve seen in his development, he’s exactly the kind of responsible, two-way defenseman a contender needs.
He had a bit of a rocky start to his professional career, which happens to a lot of rookies.
But lately, he’s really started to find his footing.
Let’s break down who he is, where he came from, and why he matters to the organization.
Who is Jackson Lacombe? A Quick Profile
Most people know him as the defenseman selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round (45th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft.
Before that, he was a standout for the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds.
Now, he’s trying to make the jump from a solid junior leader to an NHL regular.
It’s a tough jump, but Lacombe has the defensive mindset to handle it.
But there’s a catch.
The Draft Year & Entry into the League
It’s crazy to think he’s already been drafted, right? For those who missed it, the Oilers snagged him when the puck dropped on Round 2.
That was back in 2022.
He was coming off a really solid junior season.
Some scouts loved his physicality, others liked his hockey IQ.
His transition to pro was…
well, it wasn’t a fairy tale.
He spent some time in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors, trying to adjust to the speed of the game.
I think a lot of fans expected an immediate impact, but hockey development is rarely that linear.
You have to earn your ice time at the next level.
Playing Style: The Defensive Specialist
So, what does he actually bring to the table? If you’re looking for highlight-reel rushes, you’re in the wrong spot.
Jackson Lacombe is a defensive defenseman. But there’s a catch.
That’s his calling card. Oddly enough,
He plays the body well, he breaks up plays in his own zone, and he’s generally a presence that makes life hard for opposing forwards.
- Physicality: He isn’t afraid to mix it up in the corners.
He uses his size (or lack thereof) to his advantage by being aggressive.
- Defensive Zone Coverage: He takes good angles and doesn’t get caught running around.
- Passing: He’s not an offensive dynamo, but his breakout passes are reliable.
I think a lot of people overlook this type of player until they need a shutdown guy in the playoffs.
That’s where his value really lies.
Stats Breakdown (2023-2024 Season)
Looking at the numbers, it tells a story of a guy grinding.
In his rookie season, he was handling minutes, often against tougher competition. Now think about that for a second.
The offensive numbers might not jump off the page, but the defensive stats usually tell the real story.
He was consistently one of the better possession players in his limited minutes.
That possession numbers are often a better indicator of future success than raw points.
He’s young, and there’s still room to grow, but the defensive awareness is there.
If you look at , you’ll see a player who is constantly looking to improve his game.
Contract Details & Salary Cap Impact
Right now, he’s on an entry-level contract.
These are crucial for a rebuilding team like the Oilers, as they allow the organization to evaluate the player without long-term commitment yet.
It’s a low-risk, high-reward situation for management.
If he blossoms into a top-four defender, great.
If not, his contract expires, and they can move on. Now think about that for a second.
It’s a win-win.
Comparisons & Rivals
It’s hard to compare him directly to legends, obviously.
But if you want a modern comparison, he reminds me of a grittier version of a depth defenseman who can skate.
Not a guy you see on highlight reels every night, but the coach trusts him to kill penalties and play 20 minutes a night in a pinch.
He is definitely in the conversation with other bottom-pairing options in the league.
What’s Next for Lacombe?
So, where does he go from here? The expectation is that he fights for a spot in the NHL training camp every year.
The Oilers have a lot of talent, but the bottom pairing is always up for grabs.
He needs to prove he can handle the physical toll of an 82-game grind.
I honestly think he has a chance to be a steal for them if he keeps working on his skating.
Faster feet usually mean faster reactions, and that’s the difference between being a healthy scratch and a staple in the lineup.
You can keep an eye on his progress over at .
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Jackson Lacombe represents the blueprint for the modern hockey player: responsible, smart, and tough.
He might not be the next Connor McDavid, but he’s exactly the kind of glue you need to build a successful franchise.
He’s a work in progress, sure, but he’s showing the right attitude.
Most people overlook the defensemen until they’re gone, but I think we’re just getting started watching his career.
Have you seen him play live? Or do you think the Oilers should look elsewhere for defense? Let me know in the comments.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects the author’s analysis of Jackson Lacombe’s career up to 2024.
Stats are based on public NHL records.
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Image source credit: pexels.com
