Senators Signal Spence Era May Be Over
The Ottawa Senators are reportedly prepared to move on from restricted free agent defenceman Jordan Spence, according to NHL trade rumour sources, raising questions about the direction of the team's blue line ahead of the 2026–27 season.
Spence, 23, was acquired by Ottawa in 2023 as part of the organization's ongoing rebuild. The smooth-skating rearguard showed flashes of offensive upside at the NHL level but has struggled to cement a permanent spot in the Senators lineup. With Ottawa looking to get younger and more competitive, the front office appears ready to either trade Spence or let him walk if a deal can't be reached.
What This Means for the Sens Blue Line
The Senators' defence corps has been a focal point of general manager Steve Staios's roster-building work since he took over the role. Ottawa already has Jakob Chychrun and Thomas Chabot anchoring the top pairing, with a mix of younger pieces competing for minutes behind them.
Moving on from Spence would free up cap space and a roster spot Ottawa could use to bring in a proven veteran or give one of their defensive prospects a longer look. Names like Tyler Kleven and Roby Jarventie have been pushing for more opportunity within the organization, and Spence's departure could open that door.
Trade Bait in a Busy Offseason Market
RFA defencemen with Spence's age and skill set — mobile, puck-moving, right-shot — tend to attract interest around the league, particularly from teams looking for a value-priced back-end option. Ottawa's willingness to move him could spark a competitive bidding market before or during the NHL Draft.
For Sens fans in Ottawa, the move signals that Staios is being decisive and unsentimental as he tries to shorten the rebuild timeline. The team had a promising push in the second half of last season and is clearly focused on building a contender around core pieces like Tim Stützle, Brady Tkachuk, and Drake Batherson — not holding on to players who don't fit the long-term vision.
The Bigger Picture
This offseason is shaping up to be one of the more consequential in recent Senators history. Ottawa will need to make smart moves in free agency and potentially via trade to build on the momentum of a strong second half. Moving Spence, whether for picks, prospects, or a roster player, would be a clear sign that the organization is committed to upgrading rather than standing pat.
Sens fans will be watching the NHL Draft — scheduled for late June — closely, as that often serves as a backdrop for major trades. Whether Spence ends up dealt before, during, or after the draft remains to be seen, but one thing is becoming clear: his future likely isn't in Ottawa.
Source: NHL Trade Rumors via Google News