Jordan Spence Bio
Jordan Spence is a Japanese-Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the fourth round, 95th overall, by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. After developing through junior hockey and the American Hockey League, Spence made his NHL debut in 2022 and has since become recognized for his reliable two-way game.
Early Life and Background
Jordan Spence was born on February 24, 2001, in Sydney, Australia, while the family was living abroad, though the wiki notes his birth residence as Manly, New South Wales. He is the son of Adam Spence, his Canadian father, and Kyoko Spence, his Japanese mother. Growing up with connections to multiple countries shaped his international identity from an early age.
The family later moved to Osaka, Japan, where young Jordan first played baseball before stepping onto the ice. Under the guidance of his father, he began skating at the age of five and quickly developed an interest in hockey. His multicultural upbringing in Japan exposed him to both North American and Japanese cultural traditions, helping shape his bilingual and adaptable personality.
At the age of 13, Spence relocated to Cornwall, Prince Edward Island, in Canada, arriving without strong English skills. The move required him to adjust quickly to a new language and a new style of play. By the time he reached adulthood, he held dual citizenship in both Canada and Japan, and he is known to speak English, French, and Japanese.
Path to Hockey
After settling in Canada, Jordan Spence progressed through the Canadian minor hockey system, where his skill and hockey sense drew attention from major junior scouts. His skating, vision, and poise with the puck helped him earn a roster spot with the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). During his time in the QMJHL, he showcased the offensive instincts and defensive responsibility that made him an appealing NHL prospect.
Following one season with the Moncton Wildcats, Spence was selected 95th overall in the fourth round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft by the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings valued his intelligence on the ice and his ability to transition the puck quickly. He returned to junior hockey for another year to refine his game before turning professional.
Jordan Spence Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
On June 3, 2020, the Los Angeles Kings signed Spence to a three-year, entry-level contract, marking his official transition into the professional ranks. He spent the 2020–21 season continuing his development before being assigned to start the following campaign in the AHL.
Spence joined the Ontario Reign, the Kings’ American Hockey League affiliate, to begin the 2021–22 season. The AHL assignment allowed him to adjust to the pace and physicality of professional hockey while earning consistent ice time. His strong play in the AHL quickly convinced the Kings that he was ready for the next level.
Los Angeles Kings Breakthrough (2022–2024)
Jordan Spence made his NHL debut with the Los Angeles Kings on March 10, 2022, becoming the first skater with Japanese citizenship to play in the NHL. The milestone was widely recognized across the hockey world, given his unique path from Australia to Japan to North America. Less than three weeks later, on March 26, 2022, he scored his first career NHL goal in a 4–2 victory over the Seattle Kraken, announcing his arrival as an offensive contributor from the back end.
After splitting time between the AHL and NHL during the 2022–23 season, Spence became a full-time member of the Kings roster in 2023–24. He recorded 24 points across 71 games, demonstrating poise beyond his years and earning a steady role on the Los Angeles blue line. His reliability in all situations made him a valuable piece of the Kings’ defensive corps.
On August 1, 2024, the Kings rewarded his development with a two-year contract extension worth $3 million, carrying an annual average value of $1.5 million. The deal reflected the organization’s confidence in his continued growth and his importance to their defensive group.
Ottawa Senators Era (2025–Present)
During the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the Los Angeles Kings traded Jordan Spence to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. The move signaled a new chapter for Spence as he joined a Senators team focused on building a competitive young core.
In Ottawa, Spence is expected to play a meaningful role on the blue line, contributing his steady two-way play and puck-moving ability. The transition offers him an opportunity to expand his responsibilities in a new system. His presence also brings valuable international experience and a steady, defense-first mindset to the Senators’ locker room.
Driving Style and Strengths
Spence is recognized for his strong two-way play, combining dependable defensive positioning with smooth puck distribution. His skating ability allows him to join the rush effectively and recover quickly in his own zone. Coaches have praised his composure under pressure and his willingness to play a simple, effective game when needed.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most significant milestone in Jordan Spence’s career came on March 10, 2022, when he became the first player with Japanese citizenship to appear in an NHL game. His first NHL goal, scored on March 26, 2022, against the Seattle Kraken, further cemented his arrival on the league’s biggest stage. His trade to the Ottawa Senators in 2025 marked another major step in his still-developing career.
Jordan Spence Career Wins
While individual win totals are not fully documented in available verified sources, Jordan Spence has steadily accumulated contributions across the QMJHL, AHL, and NHL. His career has been defined more by consistent production and milestones than by traditional counting statistics.
QMJHL Highlights
During his time with the Moncton Wildcats, Spence developed into one of the team’s more reliable defencemen. His poise with the puck and willingness to play in all situations helped him progress toward professional hockey.
Other Wins & Performances
Spence recorded 24 points in 71 NHL games during the 2023–24 season with the Los Angeles Kings, establishing himself as a full-time NHL contributor. His first NHL goal against the Seattle Kraken stands as a signature early-career moment.
Jordan Spence Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jordan Spence was raised in a multicultural household with his Canadian father, Adam Spence, and his Japanese mother, Kyoko Spence. His father played a central role in introducing him to hockey at the age of five while the family lived in Osaka, Japan. This international background ultimately allowed him to become a dual citizen of Canada and Japan.
Personal Life
Spence’s path through Australia, Japan, and Canada has shaped a player who is fluent in English, French, and Japanese. His ability to navigate different cultures reflects the diverse upbringing provided by his parents.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year represents a turning point for Jordan Spence, beginning with his established role on the Los Angeles Kings’ blue line. During the 2024–25 season, he continued to provide steady two-way minutes, contributing offensively while maintaining sound defensive play. His performance helped reinforce his value around the league.
In the summer of 2025, Spence was traded to the Ottawa Senators, joining a young team looking to take the next step in the standings. The transition offers him expanded opportunity in a new environment with fresh teammates and a different system. His arrival adds experience and composure to the Senators’ defensive group.
Looking ahead, Spence is expected to be a meaningful contributor for Ottawa, with his contract running through the 2025–26 season. His blend of skating, vision, and defensive responsibility gives the Senators a versatile option on the back end. Continued growth in this role could position him as a long-term piece of Ottawa’s plans.