Jordan Spence’s Transition to Ottawa
The recent days have been pivotal for Jordan Spence, a promising young defenseman who was traded from the Los Angeles Kings to the Ottawa Senators just ahead of the NHL Draft this past June. Spence, only 24 years old, had established himself as a reliable player for the Kings, participating in 79 games the previous season, a commendable feat contributing to the team’s ranking of allowing the second-fewest goals in the league.
However, despite his solid performance, the offseason saw a change in management for the Kings, with GM Rob Blake stepping down and Ken Holland taking the reins. Holland’s strategy indicated a shift in direction, prompting a decision to bring in veteran talent to reinforce the blue line. Consequently, Spence’s departure was a part of that restructuring, communicated directly to him on draft day in a call where Holland noted his lack of opportunities on the Kings’ roster.
Facing Former Teammates
As fate would have it, Spence will face his former teammates for the first time this Saturday, a matchup he eagerly anticipated since joining the Senators.
“I did check the schedule in the summer right after my trade to see when we’d play against the Kings,”
he admitted, expressing a mix of excitement and nostalgia. To reconnect with familiar faces, Spence hosted several of his ex-teammates for dinner in Ottawa, yet knows that come game time, the friendly atmosphere must give way to competitiveness.
“It’s business on the ice, but off it, it’s friendship,”
he stated, reflecting on the mixed emotions of facing the team that drafted him.
Challenges in Ottawa
However, Spence’s transition to Ottawa hasn’t been as smooth as he hoped. Despite being touted as a player who would have a regular spot in the lineup, he found himself as a healthy scratch more often than expected—suiting up for only nine of the Senators’ 18 games thus far. Recent coaching decisions raised eyebrows as well; after defenseman Thomas Chabot suffered an injury and overtime was necessary against the Dallas Stars, the coaching staff opted for younger, less experienced defenseman Tyler Kleven rather than the quick-skating, offensively minded Spence, highlighting lingering doubts regarding Spence’s readiness.
A Pivotal Opportunity
With Chabot sidelined, Spence is now presented with a pivotal opportunity to show that he belongs on NHL ice consistently. This upcoming match against the Kings isn’t just a game for him; it’s a chance to reinforce his value to both the Senators and the franchise that once believed in him as a future star.
By Steve Warne
The Hockey News/Ottawa
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