Russell Morgan
2. Jordan Spence – 21 y/o – F – 2019 Round 4 #95 overall
Previous ranking: 10
There isn’t a player in this year’s rankings that has caught me by surprise more than Jordan Spence. It’s extremely rare for a defenseman from the QMJHL to not only make the jump to the NHL but do it in less than a year.
Probably the best skater in the LA Kings’ system, Spence’s best trait is his puck-moving abilities. He can skate himself out of trouble in the defensive zone and get the puck into prime position for a scoring chance in the offensive zone as well.
Jordan Spence was playing the QMJHL last year, now he's quarterbacking the Kings’ number one power play unit in a playoff game.#GKG
— Russell Morgan (@NHLRussell) May 5, 2022
Tony Ferrari The Hockey News
“He got a taste of NHL action and did seem overwhelmed at times during his 24-game stint, but he was also nearly a point-per-game defender at the AHL level. Spence is a fleet-footed blueliner who moves the puck effectively with his passing ability or his mobility. He reads play at a very high level and should be able to contribute to the NHL roster in a bigger way this year should injuries arise, and he is forced into action, but another season dominating the AHL and rounding out his play in the defensive zone will go a long way in his development.“
JFresh Hockey’s Prospect Card
After a string of injuries to the blueline for the Kings last season, Spence was called up a lot earlier than most anticipated. The play from the Kings’ 20219 fourth-rounder during the regular season and in a few postseason games for LA turned out to be one of the pleasant surprises from last year’s campaign.
Just barely holding onto his rookie status in the NHL, Spence’s waiver status was perhaps the only reason that kept him in the AHL to start the season. However, if any injuries occurred among the current LA Kings’ defensemen on the right side, I would expect Jordan to be the first player called up. Until then, he’ll continue to thrive for the Reign playing top-pair minutes for one of the AHL’s best clubs.