While the Los Angeles Kings should be focusing on improving their forwards and their offense this summer, it might be the defense that sees the most change. The Kings top free agent is obviously Vladislav Gavrikov and it is a player they will try to reach an extension with before free agency begins.
However, if they bring back Gavrikov, they could still make some changes, and it may center around Jordan Spence. Recently, on the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman reported that the Kings might be looking to trade Jordan Spence.
According to Friedman, new general manager Ken Holland likes big, mobile defensemen. However, Jordan Spence and Brandt Clarke don't really fit that mold, and with both of them being right-handed defensemen, it's tough to keep both.
Friedman believes that Clarke isn't available, so that would mean that Spence is likely the player to be moved.
Los Angeles Kings should have plenty of interest from around the league for Jordan Spence
Jordan Spence was a fourth-round pick by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2019 NHL Draft and after some short runs during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, he had a more regular role in the 2023-24 season with 71 games played.
This past season he would have a career high 79 games and really took a step forward in his career with 28 points, a +/- of +28 and a career high in average time on ice at over 16:45.
There is no question that Spence can be a productive part of any team's defense, and it seems like the Kings are looking to move him because he doesn't fit with how Holland wants to build out the roster.
He should be able to generate plenty of interest if made available with his production, age, and the fact that he has one more year left on his contract before he becomes a restricted free agent. The Kings could look to package him with another player, or even a draft pick, to try to improve their roster.