During the 2025 NHL Draft, the Los Angeles Kings had a unique opportunity to replace one of their young players with a younger player. Defenseman Henry Brzustewicz was available, and the Kings took him with the 31st pick in the draft. Days later, defenseman Jordan Spence was traded to the Ottawa Senators for two draft picks. Did Los Angeles draft a replacement for Spence?
Spence was a homegrown talent. He had a special gift that the Kings saw and wanted to make him Drew Doughty’s replacement. He showed signs of promise and was an excellent skater with offensive ability. However, the Doughty returned from an injury Spence had his ice time limited, Which did not sit well with him. He let it be known that he was not happy and once the Kings drafted Brzustewicz, he was as good as gone.Spence did finish his Kings career with eight goals and 53 assists for 61 points in 180 games.
So what did the Kings get with Brzustewicz?
He is a well-rounded defenseman who played last season for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). The 6-foot-2 and 205-pound Brzustewicz produced 10 goals and 32 assists for 42 points in 67 games last season and was a +42. He scored a foal and an assists for two points in five games as the Knights won the OHL Championship. He is capable of playing a regular shift plus both special teams.
While he and Spence are similar they are also very different in styles of play. Spence is smaller and more mobile on the ice. Brzustewicz is known for his physical play, size, and strength. Essentially, they got a bigger version of Spence who plays a physical game.
To say it is his replacement may be a bit unfair but they are too similar not to be called that. While Brzustewicz may still be a couple of years away from making his Kings debut, fans now know what to look for in him. He must get used to the pro game first which he will do in the American Hockey League (AHL) for the Ontario Reign at some point in the future. When he arrives in the NHL, he could fit right in and assume the power-play quarterback role with a normal shift. he is an exciting player to watch and could be part of the next wave of young players to carry the Kings into the next century.
photo: lakingsinsider.com; Zach Dooley
photo; lakingsinsider.com; Jared Shafran
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