The Ottawa Senators could be moving on from Jordan Spence after just one season.
According to a report from Irfaan Gaffar and David Pagnotta, the organization is ready to shift directions on the right side of the blue line.
""I've heard that the Ottawa Senators wouldn't have a problem moving Jordan Spence," said Daily Faceoff's Irfaan Gaffar. Insider David Pagnotta echoed the same sentiment.
"They've been a little disappointed in his performance this season, even though I know the LA Kings are screaming that they let him go for draft picks. But it hasn't really worked out in Ottawa. And he was somebody that they were listening on at the deadline," Pagnotta said.
"(Ottawa) wants to upgrade that right side. They want to bring in a top-four right-side defenseman that's mobile, versatile, but also has a bit of physicality to his game. That's a priority for GM Steve Staios.""
Spence is a restricted free agent this summer and will be eligible to receive an offer sheet. He finished the season with seven goals and 31 points in 73 games while posting a plus-15 rating.
The season was a bit of a roller coaster for the young defenseman. He found himself as a healthy scratch early on because of defensive struggles, but injuries on the blue line eventually forced him into a much bigger role. To his credit, Spence handled those minutes well, regularly playing more than 27 minutes a night down the stretch.
Even with the strong finish, though, there appears to be a disconnect between what Spence brings and what Staios is looking for. The Senators seem intent on adding more size and physicality to their blue line, particularly on the right side. If that's the direction the organization wants to go, Spence could end up being one of the pieces used to help make it happen.
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