For what feels like an eternity, the Ottawa Senators have embarked on a perennial quest – a search for the mythical creature known in hockey lore as the “right-shot, puck-moving defenseman.” It`s a role as coveted as it is critical, often eluding teams with a frustrating persistence. But this season, it appears General Manager Steve Staios has laid his hands on a potential answer: Jordan Spence.
The acquisition of the 24-year-old blueliner from the Los Angeles Kings is more than just a roster change; it`s a strategic declaration. It signals a shift from hoping for development to actively addressing a glaring, long-standing systemic deficiency. The Senators` right side of defense has, for too long, resembled a polite bottleneck rather than a dynamic launchpad for offense. This is where Spence, with his lauded puck-moving capabilities and impressive analytics, enters the narrative.
A Statistical Savior on Skates
In modern hockey, where advanced statistics dissect every shift, Spence emerges as a darling of the analytics community. His impact on the Kings last season, particularly at five-on-five, was undeniable. Data from Hockey Viz showcased a significant improvement in expected goals when Spence was on the ice, a tangible metric indicating his positive influence on shot quality and offensive generation. This isn`t just about moving the puck; it`s about moving it effectively, creating advantages, and turning defensive zone exits into offensive zone entries.
The Senators` previous season painted a rather bleak picture from their right-side defense. While their left-shot counterparts, Jakob Chychrun (before his trade) and Thomas Chabot, were busy racking up points, the combined offensive output from the right side was, frankly, anemic. Spence, in his last campaign, single-handedly outscored Ottawa`s entire collective of right-shot defensemen. This isn`t merely an upgrade; it`s an infusion of offensive acumen where it was sorely lacking.
The Persistent Puzzle: Finding the Right Fit
General Manager Steve Staios has been steadfast in his mission. He hasn`t shied away from using high draft capital on future right-shot prospects like Carter Yakemchuk and Logan Hensler. These are investments in tomorrow. But the Jordan Spence trade is unequivocally about today. It`s an acknowledgment that while future talents are brewing, the present roster needed a catalyst.
Past attempts to solidify the right side have often been a game of musical chairs. Jakob Chychrun, a left-shot force, struggled when forced onto his off-side. His eventual departure for Nick Jensen provided some defensive stability, but Jensen, while reliable, wasn`t acquired to be the offensive engine from the backend. Veterans like Travis Hamonic, though commendable in effort, weren`t the long-term solution. Even Nikolas Matinpalo, whose solid play earned him an extension, is more of a depth piece than a top-four offensive driver. The Senators were, as the saying goes, “six deep” on defense, but perhaps not “six wide” in terms of balanced, skilled deployment.
Motivation and Opportunity: A Perfect Storm
For Spence, the move to Ottawa presents a dual opportunity. First, he arrives with a chip on his shoulder, eager to establish himself as a legitimate top-four defenseman – a role that proved elusive in the crowded Kings` lineup. “Obviously that`s always in the back of your head,” Spence noted recently, referring to his aspirations for increased ice time and responsibility. “Just to try to be better as a player and to gain the coach`s trust.” This internal drive is precisely what a team in transition needs.
Secondly, his restricted free agent status at the end of the season provides an additional layer of motivation, though he downplays its immediate impact. “I`m not really focused on (the contract) at all, whatsoever. I think it just matters how I play this season.” A highly motivated player in a contract year, stepping into a role of desperate need, is a formula that often yields impressive results.
Reshaping the Blue Line: Coach Green`s New Toolkit
With head coach Travis Green at the helm, the defensive pairings will certainly see a fresh configuration. The expected return of Nick Jensen from off-season hip surgery will further deepen the pool, providing Green with options previously unavailable. The projected defense corps highlights Spence`s crucial placement:
- Sanderson – Zub
- Chabot – Jensen
- Kleven – Spence
This lineup envisions Spence paired with a more defensive-minded partner like Kleven, allowing him the freedom to activate offensively and initiate breakouts. It’s a strategy designed to capitalize on his strengths while providing a safety net.
The challenge for Spence, an undersized 5`10″ defender, will be to prove his overall defensive reliability against tougher competition. While his offensive upside is clear, the NHL is unforgiving to those who struggle defensively, irrespective of their puck-moving prowess. Ottawa has seen both ends of this spectrum with dynamic, smaller defensemen – the dizzying highs of an Erik Karlsson and the perplexing struggles of an Erik Brannstrom.
The Road Ahead: Optimism on the Horizon
The Ottawa Senators finished second last in the NHL in five-on-five goals last season, a statistic that underscores the urgent need for more offense from all positions, especially the blue line. Jordan Spence is not a magic bullet, but he represents a significant, tangible step forward. He brings a skillset that has been conspicuously absent, a youthful drive, and a track record of statistical efficiency.
His arrival heralds a new chapter for the Senators` defense. It`s a pragmatic, analytics-driven move that addresses a clear organizational need, promising better puck transitions, more offensive zone time, and ultimately, more goals. For a team with elevated expectations and a “Stanley Cup mindset” as declared by captain Brady Tkachuk, such a move is not just welcome, it`s essential. The right side might just be getting a lot more interesting.
