In the ever-evolving landscape of the NHL, the Los Angeles Kings possess a fascinating and somewhat enigmatic talent in defenseman Jordan Spence. As a student of the game, I’ve kept a close eye on his development, and it’s clear he’s a player who sparks both excitement and debate among hockey aficionados. Spence is the quintessential modern-day offensive defenseman, a player whose value is often found in the subtle nuances of his game rather than glaringly obvious plays.
Spence’s greatest asset is his elite puck-moving ability. His poise and vision with the puck are exceptional, allowing him to navigate the defensive zone and initiate breakouts with remarkable efficiency. He’s not a player who will physically dominate opponents, but his superior skating and hockey IQ allow him to maintain tight gaps and effectively angle attackers to the outside. When he’s on the ice, the Kings tend to control the flow of play, a testament to his positive impact on puck possession.
However, no player is without areas for improvement. Spence’s primary challenge is his size. At 5’10” and 181 pounds, he can be outmuscled in front of the net and along the boards. While he compensates with his skating and stick work, this can be a liability against bigger, more physical forwards. There have also been questions about his offensive production translating consistently at the NHL level, and he’s still refining the defensive side of his game to become a more complete player. With the Kings facing a potential logjam on the right side of their defense, Spence’s future is a hot topic of discussion, making him one of the more intriguing players to watch this offseason.
Jordan Spence: Player Profile
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | Feb 24, 2001 |
| Drafted | 2019, 4th round, No. 95 overall |
| Height | 5′11″ (180 cm) |
| Weight | 180 lb (82 kg) |
| Hometown | Manly, Australia (raised Canada) |
| Position | Defence (Right shot) |
| National Team | Canada (dual Japan eligibility) |
