Jordan Spence’s journey from a third‑round draft pick to a cornerstone of the Ottawa Senators’ blue line has been anything but linear. After the Kings traded him for a later‑round selection, the 27‑year‑old found himself on the fringe of the lineup, battling for minutes alongside veterans.
A Turnaround in the Capital
But a combination of durability and a revamped defensive scheme turned his season around, culminating in a career‑high 31 points and a fourth‑place ranking among Ottawa’s defensemen in time on ice per game.
His ability to stay healthy while teammates like Thomas Chabot and others were sidelined gave the club a reliable option, and his presence helped the Senators’ goal differential improve.
Now a restricted free agent, Spence is drawing interest from several clubs, and the Senators are weighing whether to match offers or retain him with a new deal.
General manager Ken Holland, who orchestrated the trade, has hinted that the team may look to add another right‑shot defenseman, a move that could influence Spence’s contract negotiations.
The NHL’s rising salary cap makes a seven‑year maximum contract unlikely, but a four‑year agreement at an average annual value of $4.5 million is considered a realistic target.
Such a deal would not only secure Spence’s financial future but also cement his role as a cornerstone of Ottawa’s defensive core heading into the next season.