Ottawa Could Move Jordan Spence Despite Strong Season

The Ottawa Senators are reportedly considering trading defenseman Jordan Spence despite a solid 2025-26 season. According to DFO Rundown’s Irfaan Gaffar and David Pagnotta, the team sees an opportunity to upgrade their right side of the defense and is willing to move the 25-year-old if the right offer comes along.

Spence, acquired in a 2024 trade for a 2025 third-round pick, finished the season with 17 goals and 36 assists in 82 games. His point total ranked among the top-15 defensemen in the league and placed him ahead of several established blue-liners. He also averaged over 21 minutes of ice time per game, showing his value as a two-way contributor and offensive spark.

Despite his production, the Senators aren’t convinced Spence is the long-term answer on the right side. His 5'10", 188-pound frame has raised questions about his ability to hold up against elite forwards in the playoffs. While his skating and hockey IQ are elite, the physical nature of the postseason often favors bigger players.

Ottawa is building around a core that includes Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle. With Tkachuk on a seven-year, $63 million contract and Stutzle entering the final year of his current deal, the team is looking to surround them with a defense that can handle the grind of a deep playoff run. That means upgrading the right side, even if it means parting with a player who has proven himself.

Spence is under team control through the 2027-28 season. His cap hit is $3.2 million, making him a cost-effective trade chip. The Senators could use him as the centerpiece of a deal to acquire a proven defenseman who brings more physicality and playoff experience to the mix.

Still, some believe the Senators may be making a mistake. Spence has shown he can be a top-four defenseman and is only 25 years old. If he continues to develop, he could become a key part of the Senators’ future without the need for a trade.

The key question for Ottawa is whether they believe Spence can be that piece. If they don’t, they’ll look to land a top-six defenseman before the July 2026 trade deadline. For now, the market is being explored and options are being evaluated.