Ottawa Senators to sign Jordan Spence to four-year contract extension: Sources
The Ottawa Senators are in the process of signing restricted free agent defenceman Jordan Spence to a four-year contract extension worth $5 million annually, according to league sources who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is not finalized. Bruce Garrioch from Postmedia was the first to report the news.
The 25-year-old just completed his first season with the Senators, scoring seven goals and 31 points in 73 games. Spence was acquired from the Los Angeles Kings at last year’s NHL Draft in exchange for a third-round draft choice and a sixth-round pick. The pending restricted free agent just completed a two-year, $3 million deal, originally signed with the Kings.
Earlier this week, GM Steve Staios said there were “ongoing discussions” with the defenceman, who told the media at season’s end that he wished to stay in Ottawa.
“I want to be here,” Spence said. “I think this year, I’ve gotten to know a lot of guys on this team, how we all like to hang out with each other. There are a lot of guys my age, too, that I played with before. It’s been a great season for me to get to know everyone and the style of hockey that we play. I really like it here, so hopefully I can.”
AFP Analytics projected a four-year, $19,531,200 extension for the defender carrying a $4,882,800 cap hit.
What it means
Spence was acquired as a depth defenceman at last year’s draft, with the hope of cashing in on whatever upside he possessed. It resulted in a career-best season and contributed to different pairings as the Sens experienced defensive injuries. Spence even saw time with the team’s No. 1 defender, Jake Sanderson, being used in offensive situations while not giving up much defensively. And if needed, he serves as an alternate power-play quarterback if Sanderson or Thomas Chabot are unavailable.
Small moment, but Jordan Spence catching that puck at the blue line before composing himself and kickstarting that attack. Well done from him.
pic.twitter.com/7TCOnp0k9u— Julian McKenzie (@jkamckenzie) October 31, 2025
Spence is featured on the Senators’ two best pairings with Chabot and Tyler Kleven in expected goals (min. 200 minutes), according to MoneyPuck. Spence and Kleven were also tied for the best expected goals against rate per 60 minutes.
What’s next?
Rumours swirled over the last few days about Spence and his future with the team. And some wondered if he’d get used as a trade chip. But on Friday morning, the Sens got ready to put pen to paper and lock up Spence for the next few seasons. If the Senators stick with their current top-six alignment, Spence would likely start next season alongside Chabot as a permanent replacement for Nick Jensen, who is likely to leave as a free agent this summer.
But if the Senators are interested in adding a defenceman to their top-four, Spence could always be bumped down to the third pairing with Kleven and Nikolas Matinpalo serving as an extra defenceman. Of course, Carter Yakemchuk is waiting in the wings for a roster spot as well.