The Los Angeles Kings have signed former QMJHL defenseman Jordan Spence to a two-year, $3 million contract. Spence, who will make an average annual salary of $1.5 million, was one of the last remaining restricted free agents (RFA) who formerly played in the QMJHL.
Spence played three seasons in the QMJHL, spanning from 2018-19 to 2020-21. He got his start with the Moncton Wildcats, who drafted him in the second round with the 20th overall pick in 2018 and finished his final season with the Val d’Or Foreurs. He earned the Emile Bouchard Trophy at the end of the 2019-20 as best defenseman in the QMJHL.
In 160 total QMJHL games, Spence tallied 25 goals and 141 points. He also played two games in the 2021 World Junior Championship, representing Canada. Although Spence grew up in the Maritimes, his journey is rather atypical.
Spence was born Manly, Australia, then moved to the city of Osaka in Japan. Throughout his childhood, his father taught him how to play hockey. When he was 13 years old, he moved to Prince Edward Island and pursued his career.
Spence is known for his foot speed and vision on the backend. Last season, he put up two goals and 24 points in 71 games, his first full season in the NHL with the Los Angeles Kings, who drafted him 95th overall in 2019. He was the first Australian-born player to skate in an NHL game when he debuted in 2022.
It is expected that Spence will get an even bigger role in the Kings lineup with the departure of Matt Roy. However, he’ll still have to compete for minutes with defensemen such as Drew Doughty, Mikey Anderson, Vladislav Gavrikov and youngster Brandt Clarke.
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