Ottawa Senators fans have had plenty to cheer about on the blue line this season, and Jordan Spence is emerging as one of the most compelling reasons why.
The 23-year-old defenceman from Charlottetown, PEI has been steadily building his game since being drafted by the Senators in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft. What once looked like a project pick is now looking more and more like a genuine NHL regular — and then some.
Making the Most of His Opportunity
Spence has benefited from Ottawa's ongoing defensive transition, stepping into bigger minutes as the Senators continue their rebuild. Rather than wilting under the pressure, he's thrived. His skating — long regarded as his calling card — has translated seamlessly to the NHL game, allowing him to escape pressure, join rushes, and quarterback the power play with confidence.
Analysts at The Hockey News have highlighted how Spence's positioning and decision-making have matured significantly. He's not just surviving at this level — he's dictating play at times, which is a rare trait for a defenceman his age.
Why Sens Fans Should Be Excited
For a franchise that's leaned heavily on veterans and rentals on the back end in recent years, Spence represents exactly the kind of homegrown asset the rebuild is supposed to produce. He joins a blue line that also features Brady Tkachuk's rugged shutdown partner Jakob Chychrun and the reliable Thomas Chabot, giving Ottawa one of the more intriguing defensive groups in the Eastern Conference.
What makes Spence's development especially encouraging is that it's happening on the job. He's logging real minutes in real situations — not being sheltered or hidden — and producing results that hold up to scrutiny.
The Bigger Picture for Ottawa's Rebuild
The Senators' path back to the playoffs runs through internal development as much as it does free agency or trades. Spence is proof that the scouting and development staff are doing something right. He's one of several young players — alongside Tim Stützle, Shane Pinto, and Jake Sanderson — who form the core of what Ottawa hopes will be a long-term contender.
If Spence continues on this trajectory, the Senators may have found one of the better value picks of the 2021 draft class. Ottawa hasn't had a defenceman develop this organically in years, and the timing couldn't be better as the team pushes to take a meaningful step forward.
Keep an eye on No. 53 — he's only getting started.
Source: The Hockey News via Google News Sens RSS feed
