LA Kings: Three breakout candidates at 2021 World Juniors
By Ryan Sikes
Jordan Spence
To no one’s surprise, Quinton Byfield made the roster for Team Canada. The Kings’ second overall pick in this year’s draft has elite talent but was limited to bottom-six line play in last year’s World Juniors. Conversely, Jordan Spence has been one of the most pleasant surprises in the LA Kings’ organization, which is a testament to how well Mark Yannetti and the rest of the Kings’ scouting department do their homework.
Spence was selected in the fourth round in 2019. After scoring six goals with 43 assists in 68 games, the Sydney, Australia native was named the QMJHL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He followed that with a 52-point season in 60 games and was off to a hot start for the Moncton Wildcats, scoring five goals with 11 assists through the first 13 games.
"“I’m an offensive defenseman, I like to carry the puck so I think I’m a puck-moving defenseman,” Spence said. “Good first pass and in the offensive zone, I like being on the power play, making things happen.”"
Given how much firepower Team Canada has, Spence should get plenty of opportunities to put the puck on net.