Anaheim Ducks
Jackson LaCombe’s Emergence a Painful Reminder Edmonton Passed on Him
Jackson LaCombe’s playoff dominance serves as a painful reminder the Oilers passed on him in 2019.
There were plenty of Anaheim Ducks who factored into their upset first-round series win over the back-to-back Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers, but none were more impactful in all facets of the game than Jackson LaCombe.
From leading the Ducks in offensive production to doing about as good a job as you’ll see limiting Connor McDavid on the other end of the ice, LaCombe put it all on display in Round 1. Edmonton had no answer for his skating, smarts, poise, and overall skill.
It further proved why Anaheim was willing to hand him an eight-year, $72 million contract extension in October, despite some wondering whether it was too hefty a price to pay. It also reaffirmed just how big of a steal LaCombe was at 39th overall in the second round of the 2019 draft, a selection they were able to make thanks to the Oilers passing up the opportunity to select him the pick prior.
Edmonton instead took forward Raphael Lavoie 38th overall, who, after just seven career games as an Oiler, was waived and claimed by the Vegas Golden Knights.
The 25-year-old LaCombe racked up nine points (one goal, eight assists) in the six-game series, building on a career-best 58-point (10 goals, 48 assists) 2025–26 regular season.
Then GM Peter Chiarelli did take a left-handed defenseman in Philip Broberg with their first-round pick in that draft (eighth overall), though it’s hard to see that in a positive light now that he’s broken out with the St. Louis Blues since signing an offer sheet in the summer of 2024.
In hindsight, it’s an easy decision to question, though there’s nothing the Oilers can do now but look back on passing on LaCombe with regret. There are countless examples like this across the NHL, but with Edmonton’s window to win led by McDavid and Leon Draisaitl seemingly shrinking, it’s hard not to point to a lack of young talent coming up behind them as a factor.
Next: Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl Don’t Sugarcoat Oilers’ Disappointing Season
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