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 drafted in the fourth round, 95th overall, in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft by the Los Angeles Kings. Known for his strong two-way play, Spence brings a unique background, being a dual citizen of Canada and Japan.
Born in Sydney, Australia, on February 24, 2001, Spence grew up moving between continents before settling in Canada to pursue his hockey dream. After starting his professional career with the Kings organization in 2021, he became the first skater with Japanese citizenship to play in the NHL and has since developed into a reliable NHL defenceman.
Early Life and Background
Jordan Spence was born in Sydney, Australia, to a Canadian father, Adam, and a Japanese mother, Kyoko. His mixed heritage gave him citizenship eligibility in both Canada and Japan, a distinction he would later carry into professional sport. He lived in Australia briefly before his family relocated to Osaka, Japan, where his early sporting life began.
In Osaka, Spence first played baseball along with hockey under the guidance of his father, Adam, who introduced him to the game. At the age of 13, Spence and his family moved to Cornwall, Prince Edward Island, Canada, so he could pursue higher-level hockey opportunities. At that time, he had a limited command of English, but he adapted quickly to his new country and the sport.
Before his 20th birthday, Spence became a dual citizen of Canada and Japan. He is multilingual and speaks English, French, and Japanese, reflecting the global path that shaped his upbringing.
Path to Hockey
Spence played minor ice hockey with the Summerside Western Capitals of the Maritime Junior Hockey League, where he went undrafted in 2017. After leading all rookies in scoring and finishing third on his team overall, he was selected by the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) in the second round, 20th overall, of the 2018 QMJHL Entry Draft.
In his first season with the Wildcats in 2018–19, Spence recorded six goals and 43 assists for 49 points in 68 games. He set new franchise records for assists and points in a season by a rookie defenceman and was awarded the Raymond Lagacé Trophy as the league’s defensive rookie of the year, along with QMJHL All-Rookie Team and Rookie of the Year honours.
Spence returned to Moncton for the 2019–20 season and helped lead the team to the top of the Eastern Conference before the season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. He tallied nine goals and 52 points in 60 games and was awarded the Emile Bouchard Trophy as the league’s top defenceman, while also being named to the QMJHL First All-Star Team.
Jordan Spence Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Spence was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League in the fourth round, 95th overall, of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. On June 3, 2020, the Kings signed him to a three-year, entry-level contract, and he joined the Kings’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Ontario Reign, to begin the 2021–22 season.
After being recalled in December 2021 and returned without playing, Spence was recalled again on March 9, 2022. He made his NHL debut on March 10, becoming the first skater with Japanese citizenship to play in the NHL, and recorded his first NHL point on March 13 against the Florida Panthers. He scored his first NHL goal on March 26 in a 4–2 win over the Seattle Kraken, and was named to the AHL All-Rookie Team and First All-Star Team at season’s end.
NHL Breakthrough with the Los Angeles Kings (2022–2025)
Spence was assigned to the Ontario Reign to begin the 2022–23 season before being recalled on December 12. In six games with the Kings over multiple recalls, he tallied one point, while spending most of the year with Ontario, where he recorded four goals and 45 points in 56 games. The Reign qualified for the playoffs but were swept by the Colorado Eagles in the first round.
Spence became a full-time member of the Kings in the 2023–24 season, recording two goals and 24 points in 71 games. The Kings made the playoffs and faced the Edmonton Oilers in the first round, where Spence recorded his first NHL playoff point on April 24, 2024. The Oilers eliminated the Kings for the third consecutive year, with Spence recording one assist in five playoff games.
On August 1, 2024, the Kings re-signed Spence to a two-year, $3 million contract. Going into the 2024–25 season, with Matt Roy’s departure, Spence was expected to move up to the second pairing alongside Vladislav Gavrikov. He played 79 games, marking four goals and 28 points with strong defensive play, though his playoff ice time was reduced and he was scratched for one game. He tallied his first NHL playoff goal on May 1, 2025, in the elimination game against the Oilers.
Ottawa Senators Era (2025–Present)
On June 28, 2025, at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, Spence was traded by the Kings to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. He made his Senators debut on October 13, 2025, paired with Tyler Kleven in a 4–1 victory over the Nashville Predators, and scored his first goal with Ottawa on November 9 in a 4–2 win over the Utah Mammoth.
After injuries to top defencemen Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot, Spence was asked to take on more responsibility in the second half of the season and responded well, seeing his ice time increase. He finished the year with seven goals and 31 points in 73 games, helping the Senators reach the playoffs before they were swept in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes.
Driving Style and Strengths
Spence is recognized for his efficient, two-way game and reliable defensive instincts. He excels at moving the puck out of his own zone with calm breakouts, complementing physical play with strong skating and hockey sense. His ability to read plays and contribute offensively has made him a steady partner on both special teams and even-strength situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Spence’s career came on March 10, 2022, when he became the first skater with Japanese citizenship to play in the NHL. He has since recorded his first NHL goal, first NHL playoff goal, and first NHL playoff point, all of which mark the steady progression of a defenceman building a full-time NHL career.
Jordan Spence Career Wins
Jordan Spence has accumulated individual QMJHL honours and NHL milestones rather than major championships, earning recognition through awards and statistical records. His progression through junior and professional hockey reflects consistent development, highlighted by franchise records and league-wide accolades.
QMJHL Highlights
In his rookie season with the Moncton Wildcats, Spence set new franchise records for assists and points in a season by a rookie defenceman, totaling 49 points in 68 games. He won the Raymond Lagacé Trophy as the QMJHL’s defensive rookie of the year and was named Rookie of the Year. The following season, he added the Emile Bouchard Trophy as the league’s top defenceman and was named to the QMJHL First All-Star Team. In 2020–21, he was again named to the QMJHL First All-Star Team alongside Jakob Pelletier.
Other Wins and Performances
At the international level, Spence was selected to play for Canada at the 2021 World Junior Championships, where he scored one goal in two appearances and helped Canada earn a silver medal. In the AHL, he was named to the All-Rookie Team and First All-Star Team following his debut professional season with the Ontario Reign.
Jordan Spence Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Spence was born to a Canadian father, Adam, and a Japanese mother, Kyoko, giving him a multicultural foundation that has shaped his personal identity and career. His father, Adam, played a direct role in his early hockey development, introducing him to the game while the family lived in Osaka, Japan.
Personal Life
Spence has held dual citizenship of Canada and Japan since before his 20th birthday, a status that carries both personal and historical significance as the first Japanese-citizen skater to play in the NHL. He is multilingual, speaking English, French, and Japanese, reflecting the international upbringing that has defined his life and career.
2025 Season Performance
Jordan Spence began the 2025–26 season with the Ottawa Senators after being acquired from the Los Angeles Kings at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft on June 28. He made his Senators debut on October 13, 2025, paired with Tyler Kleven in a 4–1 win over the Nashville Predators, and scored his first goal with Ottawa on November 9 in a 4–2 win over the Utah Mammoth. He finished the regular season with seven goals and 31 points in 73 games.
After injuries to top defencemen Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot in the second half of the season, Spence was asked to take on more responsibility and responded well, seeing his ice time increase as a trusted top-four option. The Senators made the 2025 playoffs and faced the Carolina Hurricanes in the opening round, where they were swept in four games. Despite the early exit, Spence’s growth into a larger role signals continued momentum for his Senators tenure.
