The Athletic Hockey Show Why did Team USA pick Jackson Lacombe over Lane Hutson?
Jan 22, 2026
Julian McKenzie, a sports journalist and author of 'Black Aces,' joins to discuss the Ottawa Senators and their goaltending struggles. The conversation dives into Team USA's selection of Jackson Lacombe over Lane Hutson, exploring the reasoning behind choice and the implications for roster construction. McKenzie also sheds light on Linus Ullmark’s leave of absence, the team's dynamics, and Brady Kachuk's likely role in the upcoming Olympics. Additionally, insights from McKenzie’s book preview Black hockey narratives enhance the discussion.
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Why Lacombe Over Hutson
- Jackson Lacombe is a legit defensive, two-way replacement for Seth Jones rather than a like-for-like offensive upgrade.
- Bill Guerin prioritized size, puck retrievals, and zone exits over pure offensive flash when naming the replacement.
Lacombe’s Rapid Rise And Tools
- Jackson Lacombe has risen quickly as a reliable two-way defenseman with strong scouting and analytics endorsements.
- Scouts likened him to top defensemen and praised his elite puck retrievals and zone exits as valuable in international play.
Roster Construction Drove The Choice
- Team USA wanted a similar puzzle piece to Seth Jones: size and defensive steadiness, not another small offensive defenseman.
- Given the roster construction, Lacombe fit the intended role better than Lane Hutson.
