Jordan Spence

February 2023 – Spence earned a brief stint with the Kings to end the 2021-22 season as the Kings reeled with several key injuries on their backend. Spence provided an offensive spark in his 24 appearances with eight points and logged big minutes on the top powerplay unit as the team pushed for a playoff berth. This season, he has had limited opportunities with the big club because of the good health of their backend, which has in turn allowed Spence to log top-pairing minutes for the Reign and has become a staple on both special teams.

Confidence has been a factor for Spence in his quest to become a complete defender and that has been reflected in his willingness to shoot or find the lanes that allow him to do so. This invaluable experience will help the 22-year-old defender compete for a full-time spot on the backend in Los Angeles in the fall. He will have stiff competition with other top prospects and a deep right side of the defence, but if this season has shown us anything, it is that Spence now has the confidence to win that battle and lock down a roster spot for the 2023-24 season. He could find himself on the second powerplay unit given his offensive flair, giving him a solid floor for the Kings and fantasy owners in points-only formats alike. Sean Crocker

April 2022 – Spence has taken a huge step in his first full year of professional hockey, posting 42 points in his first 46 games with the Ontario Reign. The Kings have rewarded him with a call-up due to the extended absence of Drew Doughty. Spence has spent time on the second powerplay and has generated five points in his first 14 games as a King. With this kind of deployment, Spence is worth consideration in shallower leagues and should be stashed in dynasty/keeper formats. Sean Crocker

June 2020 – Spence has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Kings that will see him become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2022-2023 season. Spence has shown improvements in his development in the QMJHL putting up 52 points in 60 games before the season was cancelled. He may need some more time before he is NHL ready the changing of the guard in Los Angeles is in full force especially on the blue line, and with the team likely moving on from some UFA defencemen, the trickle down effect in the organization should leave some minor league roster spots up for Spence to grab. Julian Mongillo

March 2020 – Spence defines what all NHL teams are looking for, which is a young offensive puck-moving defenseman. His strong skating ability in both directions allows him to close gaps on defense and contribute largely on offense. Drafted by the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL in 2018 the young blueliner has since put together two straight seasons with over 45 points and also claimed QMJHL rookie and defensive rookie of the year honors. He has a ways to go in terms of development and much of it has to do with building muscle and maturing on the defensive side of the puck. Julian Mongillo