What happened: Ottawa is reportedly gauging the trade market for restricted free agent defenseman Jordan Spence. After being eased into a sheltered role early in the year, Spence grew into a heavier workload, logging better than 21 minutes a night down the stretch. His strong possession metrics made him one of the team's more effective rearguards over the back half of the season.

Why it matters: Spence's situation reflects a wider trend of teams testing the market on cost-controlled young defensemen, the same dynamic flagged when several NHL restricted free agents emerged as offseason trade candidates. Dealing a player who handled top-four minutes would reshape Ottawa's blue line heading into the upcoming 2025-26 season. As an RFA, Spence carries contract control that raises his value to any acquiring club.

What to watch: Watch whether Ottawa fields concrete offers or instead moves to re-sign Spence to a new deal. Any return would signal how the Senators value their existing defensive depth.