Ottawa Senators Sign Jordan Spence to Contract Extension

The Ottawa Senators have extended Jordan Spence’s contract for four years, following a strong first season with the team.

Jordan Spence has officially been signed by the Ottawa Senators to a four-year contract extension valued at $5 million per year, the team announced on Friday.

Spence, a 25-year-old defenceman, recently completed his inaugural season with the Senators, recording seven goals and 31 points in 73 games. He was originally acquired from the Los Angeles Kings during last year’s NHL Draft in exchange for a third-round pick and a sixth-round selection.

General Manager Steve Staios expressed satisfaction with Spence’s performance, stating, “Jordan was an excellent addition to our hockey club and proved to be a valuable asset on our blue line and stepped up when it counted last season.”

Spence himself indicated a strong desire to remain in Ottawa, sharing, “I want to be here. I think this year, I’ve gotten to know a lot of guys on this team, how we all like to hang out with each other.”

This new contract comes after Spence completed a two-year deal worth $3 million, which he initially signed with the Kings. Analysts had predicted a four-year, $19,531,200 extension for him, projecting a cap hit of $4,882,800.

Initially brought in as depth for the defensive lineup, Spence quickly established himself as a key player, particularly during a season marked by defensive injuries. He played alongside the team’s top defender, Jake Sanderson, in critical moments, aiding in offensive scenarios without compromising defensive integrity.

Spence’s partnerships on the ice have been noteworthy. According to statistics, he formed strong connections with Tyler Kleven and Thomas Chabot, maintaining impressive expected goals ratios. Prior discussions hinted at the possibility of Spence being a trade chip, but the Senators moved quickly to secure him for the upcoming seasons.

Looking ahead, if the Senators maintain their current roster structure, Spence is likely to find himself paired with Chabot as a permanent fixture following Nick Jensen’s expected departure in free agency this summer. Conversely, if the Senators opt to enhance their defensive lineup, Spence may transition to a third pairing alongside Kleven and an incoming defenceman, with potential competition for his roster spot from Carter Yakemchuk.