Jordan Spence’s Rise: From Scratched to Senators’ Key Player

When Senators GM Steve Staios made the strategic decision to trade down two spots from 21st to 23rd in the first round of the NHL Draft last summer, acquiring a third-round pick from the Nashville Predators, it appeared to be a savvy move. His intention to select right-shot defenseman Logan Hensler from the University of Wisconsin was clear, yet the acquisition of Jordan Spence on that very day transformed the narrative. Trading that third-round pick, along with a sixth-round pick in 2026, has proven to be a masterstroke as the Senators push towards a playoff berth with just three games remaining.

Spence’s journey to this pivotal moment was not without its challenges. Initially, he struggled to earn the trust of head coach Travis Green, starting the season as a healthy scratch in games against the Lightning and Panthers. His debut came during the home opener against the Nashville Predators, but he was soon scratched again before making a return against the Seattle Kraken and New York Islanders. A particularly memorable moment came when Spence lost the puck to Anders Lee, who subsequently scored the game-winning goal for the Islanders, leading to a six-game stint in the press box.

Despite some doubts from fans about Staios’s faith in the former LA King, Spence eventually reclaimed his spot in the lineup. His performance quietly improved, especially when he partnered with Tyler Kleven on the bottom defensive pair, contributing to the second-unit power play. However, a significant change occurred about a month ago when both Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot were sidelined for an extended period. This situation opened the door for Spence to step up, and he has embraced this opportunity with remarkable results.

As the Senators faced the daunting prospect of losing their playoff chances, Spence’s emergence became crucial. With several defensemen injured, he was thrust into a larger role, facing tougher opponents. Incredibly, he has accumulated nine points in his last 11 games, showcasing his talent and resilience. His ice time has skyrocketed, surpassing 22 minutes in ten games, including a staggering 30 minutes in a recent victory over Buffalo.

The numbers clearly indicate that the Senators are a more formidable team with Spence on the ice. His presence has made a significant impact on their offensive output, something that remains true regardless of his defensive partners. It’s hard to envision the Senators maintaining their wild-card position without Spence’s contributions over the past month.

As the season progresses, speculation arises regarding the type of contract extension Spence may receive this summer. With Nick Jensen likely out for the remainder of the season and set to become a UFA, the Senators appear to have found an ideal replacement in Spence. The key question is whether he will sign a bridge deal or if the team will opt to secure more UFA years.

This is a fortunate dilemma for Staios, and even as Sanderson and Chabot return, Spence continues to prove his worth. His recent goal against Tampa serves as a testament to his elevated performance, reinforcing the notion that his success is no mere coincidence. As the saying goes, great moments are born from great opportunity, and Jordan Spence is certainly capitalizing on his time in Ottawa.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.