Coming off a breakout campaign, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe was rewarded with a lucrative eight-year contract on Thursday.
The team did not disclose the numbers, but Sportsnet reported that it is the largest deal in franchise history at $72 million, or $9 million per season.
LaCombe, 24, who was entering the final year of his contract, posted 43 points (14 goals, 29 assists) in 75 games last season as the Ducks’ No. 1 blueliner. He was third on the team in blocks (129) and topped all non-goaltenders in average ice time (22:18).
“Today is an exciting day for my family and I am grateful to the organization for their belief in me,” LaCombe said. “It was an easy decision for me to commit my future to the Ducks and Orange County. We are building something special here and I am excited to do everything I can to help this team win.”
Anaheim’s second-round pick in the 2019 draft, LaCombe has accumulated 60 points (16 goals, 44 assists) in 148 career games.
“We are excited to sign Jackson to a long-term contract and lock up a core player for our future,” Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said. “Getting this deal done early was a priority for us. Jackson has all of the tools to be an anchor on our back end for many years to come.”
The Ducks open the regular season at Seattle on Oct. 9.
