The NHL offseason rumor mill is in full swing, and a particularly interesting piece of chatter is swirling around the Los Angeles Kings and their talented young defenseman, Jordan Spence. According to renowned NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Kings may be looking to move the 24-year-old, citing a defensive logjam on the right side as the primary motivator. This isn’t just smoke; where there’s a crowded depth chart, there’s often a trade fire waiting to ignite.
The Logjam on the Right Side
The crux of the matter, as Friedman points out, is the emergence of fellow right-shot defenseman Brandt Clarke. The Kings appear poised to hand Clarke a more significant, permanent role on the blue line, and the organization seems hesitant to commit to having both Spence and Clarke in the lineup long-term. Both are young, skilled, and deserving of consistent ice time to continue their development. From the Kings’ perspective, it’s a “good problem to have,” but a problem that nonetheless requires a solution. Keeping both could mean one is relegated to a lesser role or even the press box, which benefits neither the player nor the team.
Spence’s Value as a Trade Asset
This is where my personal insight comes in. Spence is more than just a spare part; he’s a legitimately valuable trade chip. He has two years remaining on a very affordable contract with a $1.5 million average annual value. In a league where the salary cap is always a consideration, cost-controlled, effective players are worth their weight in gold. And let’s not forget the scarcity of right-shot defensemen.
General managers across the NHL are constantly on the hunt for players who can patrol the right side of the ice, and Spence has proven he can do so effectively at the NHL level. Last season, he put up a respectable 28 points in 79 games. to go along with a +23 rating, demonstrating his puck-moving ability and offensive upside.
At just 24, his best years are likely still ahead of him, making him an attractive target for teams looking to bolster their defensive corps without breaking the bank. A trade could bring back a significant return for the Kings, whether that’s a forward who can provide some much-needed scoring punch or a package of picks and prospects to restock the cupboards.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Jordan Spence’s future. As the 2025 NHL Draft and free agency approach, expect the “Jordan Spence rumors” to heat up. The Kings hold a valuable asset in a market that craves what he brings to the table. The only question that remains is which team will step up and pay the price to acquire his services.
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