In a shocker that shook both Los Angeles and Ottawa, the Kings traded 24-year-old right-shot defenseman Jordan Spence to the Ottawa Senators during Day 2 of the NHL Draft. The Kings acquired a third-round pick (67th overall) for the 2025 Draft, along with a sixth-round pick in 2026, thereby strengthening their draft assets.
The trade for the Senators is a win-win, landing a young player with high potential. However, it’s the return the Kings get that the fan base is questioning Ken Holland for, and it only makes sense if he has another deal in the works.
Jordan Spence has been traded to the Ottawa Senators for pick 67 in the 2025 Draft and a 6th-round pick in 2026.
— LA Kings (@LAKings) June 28, 2025
📲 https://t.co/BYFfMqd4Gepic.twitter.com/ry2OpW8UYx
Why this could be a concern for the Kings
Last season, the Kings built up their roster, led by an elite defense that carried them into the playoffs with home-ice advantage. And even though the Kings still have Drew Doughty, Brandt Clarke, and Joel Edmundson on their defensive side, getting no players back from the trade creates a hole for another pair on the right side.
It’s quickly become an issue for general manager Ken Holland, who is not getting any players in this trade, and the defense is in trouble for the Kings next season.
Spence is only 24 years old and is coming off the best season of his career, setting career highs with four goals, 24 assists (28 points), paired with 80 hits and 77 blocked shots over 79 games.
And even though his fit might have come into question with the Kings, it’s hard to imagine that a better deal with some group of players wasn’t out there to grab.
Kings defensemen signed for next season after the Spence move:
— Russell Morgan (@NHLRussell) June 28, 2025
Drew Doughty
Mikey Anderson
Joel Edmundson
Brandt Clarke
Kyle Burroughs
Jacob Moverare
That’s a blueline in serious need of some upgrades.
The most positive way to look at this as a Kings fan is that it helps them with more roster flexibility and salary cap breathing room. This deal could suggest that the Kings will use their additional second-round picks to add NHL-ready talent who can help them next season.
If that doesn’t work out, then this trade for Spence now wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense for the Kings moving forward.
What Ottawa Gains
For Ottawa, this deal is a clear win. The Senators acquire a defenseman who can step in and contribute immediately, adding stability and speed to their blue line.
Spence brings a calm presence and the ability to contribute offensively, making him an excellent fit for a team looking to take the next step.
The Senators, who were already playoff contenders last season and made the postseason for the first time in over eight seasons, add great young talent to their solid young rotation, which should improve next season.
Final Take
In the short term, the Kings lose a young, dependable player on the rise, but if Holland did this deal to make another move that will upgrade the team’s roster, then Kings fans have nothing to worry about.