Ottawa Senators’ Strategic Moves During the NHL Draft
Last summer, the Ottawa Senators made a notable move during the NHL Draft when General Manager Steve Staios decided to trade down from the 21st to the 23rd pick, exchanging his spot with the Nashville Predators in return for an additional third-round pick, specifically the 67th overall. Staios was confident that his target, right-shot defenseman Logan Hensler from the University of Wisconsin, would still be available. However, on the same day, he made an even bolder decision by trading the acquired third-rounder and a sixth-rounder in 2026 to bring in Jordan Spence, a move that has proven to be astute as the Senators push towards a playoff berth with only three games left on their schedule.
Jordan Spence’s Journey
Jordan Spence’s journey to becoming a key asset for the Senators hasn’t been straightforward. Early in the season, the young defenseman struggled to earn the trust of head coach Travis Green, starting as a healthy scratch in the first two games against the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers. He eventually made his debut during the home opener against Nashville but faced further setbacks, being scratched again against the Buffalo Sabres before returning to the roster to face the Seattle Kraken and the New York Islanders.
A memorable moment occurred during the game against the Islanders when Spence lost the puck during a crucial play that allowed Anders Lee to score the game-winner, subsequently earning him a stint in the press box for six straight games. This led to skepticism among fans regarding Staios’s judgment in acquiring Spence from the Los Angeles Kings. Nonetheless, the young defenseman persevered, reclaiming his spot in the lineup after injuries sidelined Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot for an extended period. This situation allowed Spence to step up, and he has since demonstrated impressive performance metrics and offensive contributions.
Recent Performance and Future Prospects
In the past month, as he was forced into a more significant role, Spence has statistically excelled, tallying nine points over his last 11 games. His ice time has surged, surpassing 22 minutes on ten occasions, including a remarkable 30-minute outing against Buffalo. Notably, the Senators have greatly enhanced their offensive capabilities with Spence on the ice, a trend supported by positive Corsi metrics.
As Ottawa’s playoff efforts grew more tenuous amid the injuries to key defensemen, Spence’s ability to handle increased responsibilities has shifted the narrative on the Senators’ chances. His recent performances have raised questions about his upcoming contract extension, as he is set to enter restricted free agency. With veteran Nick Jensen possibly sidelined for the remainder of the season and set to become an unrestricted free agent, Spence’s presence offers a promising solution for Ottawa.
The exciting dilemma for Staios now lies in whether to pursue a bridge contract for Spence or to negotiate a long-term extension that locks in more unrestricted free agent years. Although Chabot and Sanderson have made their returns to the lineup, Spence’s impactful play recently has allayed any doubts about his contributions. His goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning served as a potent reminder that his elevated performance is here to stay, showcasing that he is leveraging his opportunities beautifully in Ottawa.
Conclusion
As they continue their playoff push, Spence’s development is undoubtedly a storyline to watch, as he seems to embody the notion that significant opportunities often lead to pivotal moments in an athlete’s career.
Pat Maguire, The Hockey News
