Bruins Eye Potential Addition of RFA Defenseman Jordan Spence

The Boston Bruins are on the lookout for reinforcements as they face challenges on the right side of their defense. Following the conclusion of the season, General Manager Don Sweeney emphasized the need for more speed and skill, especially as the team's right-side depth has dwindled. With Andrew Peeke's contract expiring this summer and Victor Soderström departing for Switzerland, options are limited. Currently, only Charlie McAvoy and Henri Jokiharju are signed as right-shot defensemen through the 2026-27 season.

In terms of prospects, the Bruins lack a standout option, with Max Wanner, a 23-year-old restricted free agent, being the youngest player available. They also have until August to decide on Mason Langenbrunner, another 23-year-old defenseman, although his future seems uncertain after his father took a position in Nashville.

According to Bruce Garrioch from the Ottawa Citizen, the Ottawa Senators are exploring trade possibilities for defenseman Jordan Spence. “This doesn’t mean Steve Staios, the club’s president of hockey operations and general manager, is trying to deal Spence,” Garrioch noted, but he added that the Senators are considering all options, especially with every team looking to make adjustments.

Spence, who is 25 years old and has arbitration rights as a restricted free agent this summer, was acquired by the Senators from the Los Angeles Kings during the 2025 draft. Over the past season, he played 73 games for Ottawa, averaging 18:44 minutes of ice time and contributing 31 points (7 goals and 24 assists) while maintaining a plus-15 rating. His presence on the ice greatly favored the Senators' performance, with a dominant 60.38% Corsi share during 5-on-5 play.

While Spence may not be the most physical player, his offensive contributions from the blue line are noteworthy; his 31 points would have ranked him second among Bruins defensemen last season. Having spent the early years of his career with the Kings, Spence was a regular in their lineup by the 2024-25 season, but he was ultimately traded due to a surplus of right-shot defensemen in Los Angeles.

With Spence's next contract projected to be either a one-year deal at $3.1 million or a four-year deal worth $4.9 million, the Bruins will need to weigh their options carefully. As a restricted free agent, they could potentially extend an offer sheet, but it would need to fall within specific parameters due to their draft pick situation. Though Spence may not carry the biggest name recognition this summer, he fulfills many needs for the Bruins' defense, and Sweeney may have compelling reasons to pursue him.