The Ottawa Senators acquired Jordan Spence from the Los Angeles Kings in a trade involving future draft picks. Spence's second full NHL season saw him contribute 28 points in 79 games as a lower-pairing defenseman for the Kings. With his initial two-year contract, carrying a cap hit of $1.5 million, nearing its end, the Senators' management, led by Steve Staios, should prioritize extending Spence's tenure. His performance during his inaugural season with the Senators warrants this proactive step.
Spence's statistics highlight his growing impact, particularly his career-high in goals and matching his personal best in points. He's also logging significantly more ice time, averaging 18:27 minutes per game overall. This trend has become even more pronounced since March 11th, following Nick Jensen's injury, where Spence's average ice time surged to 23:38 over 13 games, during which he registered 2 goals and 9 points. In the absence of key players like Chabot and Sanderson, Spence has consistently risen to the occasion, even playing over 26 minutes in crucial victories against the Rangers and Red Wings, and setting a new career high of 30:48 minutes against the Sabres. His ability to perform under pressure and increased responsibility demonstrates his foundational importance to the team.
Initially underestimated by the Los Angeles Kings and even by Travis Green early in his Senators career, Spence was unfairly pigeonholed as an undersized, depth defenseman. Despite his 5'11", 188 lbs frame, he has debunked the notion that he isn't robust enough for significant minutes. His physical play, reflected in his 2.47 hits per 60 minutes—comparable to Artem Zub's 2.53—underscores his willingness to engage. Spence's strength lies in his intelligence, work ethic, and adeptness at angling opponents off the puck, rather than relying solely on brute force. As he approaches restricted free agency this summer, a long-term deal, perhaps a four or five-year contract in the range of $5 million per season, would solidify his role as a key top-four defenseman, similar to Artem Zub's extension, aligning with the team's long-term strategic vision.
The Senators have a history of benefiting from astute acquisitions, sometimes unexpectedly. Dylan Demelo, received in the Erik Karlsson trade, proved his value before being traded. Artem Zub, an unknown from the KHL, also became a top-four defenseman after initially being a healthy scratch. Jordan Spence represents a similar fortunate turn of events, having been acquired when the Kings opted for Cody Ceci. Spence has proven himself to be a capable all-around defenseman. Rewarding him with a new contract would not only acknowledge his significant contributions but also secure a vital piece for the team's future, transforming what was once considered a depth acquisition into a cornerstone of the defense. This move would reinforce the team's commitment to building a strong and cohesive unit, ensuring continued success on the ice.
