If the Philadelphia Flyers are aiming to get younger and more skilled on the blue line this offseason, Los Angeles Kings defenseman could be a strong fit.
While recent rumors surrounding Nicolas Hague stirred talk of adding size and physicality to Philly’s defense, those attributes don’t address all of the Flyers’ needs. Hague, reportedly not a target for the Flyers, offers bulk but not the playmaking or skill set they’re lacking.
Philadelphia ranked 30th in the NHL in total points from defensemen last season, managing just 132 points from the back end — a clear sign they need more offensive impact from their defense.
That’s where He comes in. The 24-year-old, born in Australia, has logged six goals and 52 points over the past two seasons while holding down a bottom-pair role in L.A. However, in five playoff games this year, he played more than 10 minutes only once — likely due to his smaller stature (5-foot-11, 190 pounds).
According to Elliotte Friedman on Friday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast, Spence is believed to be available in trade talks.
“I think he’s a name to watch. Ken Holland, for example, values size and mobility on the back end. I don’t think the Kings believe Spence and Brandt Clarke can coexist on the right side — both are right shots who need ice time. Clarke isn’t being moved, but Spence might be,” Friedman said.
So why would the Flyers consider trading for another undersized defenseman when they already have Cam York, Jamie Drysdale, and Emil Andrae?
The answer is straightforward: Spence has been highly effective in his current role, unlike Drysdale, whose underlying numbers have been poor. Despite Drysdale’s skating and potential, he hasn’t delivered consistently. Spence, meanwhile, has notched at least 24 points in each of the last two seasons and proven he can contribute reliably.
Only one Flyers defenseman — Travis Sanheim — topped the 20-point mark this season, registering 30 while averaging an exhausting 24:30 of ice time per night. Drysdale and Nick Seeler each had 20 points, but Drysdale was a concerning -32, whereas Seeler posted a +10.
Andrae showed promise last season, but it’s still unclear whether he’s a full-time NHL defenseman. York, a pending restricted free agent, is expected to stay. Drysdale, on the other hand, enters a pivotal contract year that could determine his future in the league.
As for Rasmus Ristolainen, if he’s not included in a Spence trade, he’ll return from injury eventually — but he’s aging and may soon lose his spot to Helge Grans if the latter impresses in camp.
It’s also worth noting that top prospects Spencer Gill and Oliver Bonk both have the size — each standing 6-foot-2 or taller.
Bottom line: the Flyers don’t have to worry about size on the right side of their defense. What they do need is more talent, better puck movement, and overall performance. Acquiring Spence would be a step in that direction — and a clear sign that Philadelphia isn’t satisfied with how the 2024–25 season unfolded with its current defensive group.
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