Kyle Garcia 
With training camp just around the corner, we are previewing each player on the LA Kings roster. Up next: Jordan Spence!
Jordan Spence
Birthdate: February 24, 2001
Birthplace: Manly, Australia
Height: 5’10
Weight: 180 lbs
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
Draft: 4th round, 95th overall, 2019 NHL Entry Draft
2022-2023 season
Spence spent most of the season with the Ontario Reign, including six games with the Kings. After an impressive rookie season in the AHL the previous season, Spence opened the season in Ontario again and was placed on the top defensive pair with Tobias Bjornfot. Spence earned head coach Marco Sturm’s trust in every situation (5-on-5, special teams, matchups against the opposing teams’ best players, late-game situations, and every other matchup scenario you can think of) and was the best defenseman on the team. One area of improvement Spence made was being more physical and reliable on the defensive end, and once again, led the Reign in points for a defenseman with 45 (4 G – 41 A).
21ST BIRTHDAY GOAL FOR 21#REIGNTRAIN https://t.co/oEvjPEXk2f pic.twitter.com/qA3TxsIUvA
— Ontario Reign (@ontarioreign) February 25, 2023
2023-2024 outlook
The Kings have an opening on the right side of the third defensive pair. Like Brandt Clarke, Spence will be battling for that spot. Many people, including myself, believe that spot is Clarke’s to lose. However, Spence will have something to say about that. You may recall within the past few months our Hockey Royalty colleague, Joe, has suggested the Kings should play both due to the lack of puck-moving defenseman they have in the lineup. I agree with Joe on that. Would the Kings be willing to split up their best defensive pair in Vladislav Gavrikov and Matt Roy? Would they consider two young defensemen in the lineup? Would they be comfortable with playing another right-handed defenseman on their off-hand?
A lot of possibilities, but only one outcome can happen. Spence can bring offense to the bottom pair and quarterback a power play, like Clarke. He may not be as dynamic offensively as Clarke but he is a solid option for that third pair. Neither defenseman should be in the AHL or sitting in the press box, as I feel both should have a spot in the NHL. A tough decision looms as the battle for that spot on the right side on the third defensive pair will be worth watching.
Main photo credit: Mike Zitek, Ontario Reign
Sticky situation.
I mean really Roy needs to be extended before 24/25.
But if you let him go you have room for both Spence and Clarke .
I think it leaves the Kings to physically unimposing.
Realistically Clarke needs to go the easy route to start to the A .
Spence needs to like Clarke ne evaluated and unlike Clarke potentially shopped,
A trade for a 1 GT , they want to extend long term, before the deadline. before might use SPence.
This allows Clarke come up to the N and Roy gets extended.