Meet The Blackhawks New Goaltender, Spencer Knight

Spencer Knight became a member of the Chicago Blackhawks on Mar. 1 as a part of the return in the blockbuster Seth Jones trade. Tonight, Mar.3, Knight debuts as a Blackhawk against the Los Angeles Kings. Let's look at who Spencer Knight is and why you should be excited to have him in goal.

Knight was drafted 13th overall in 2019 by the Florida Panthers. Knight posted stellar numbers at the 2018-19 World Juniors with a .936 SV%, winning a silver medal with Team USA. The Blackhawks could have drafted Knight, if the lottery results matched the standings that year. Instead, the Blackhawks landed the third pick, which was used to draft Kirby Dach.

The Blackhawks' current goalie prospect pipeline, without Knight in the picture, has question marks. Arvid Soderblom has had a fantastic comeback year, and he was supposed to return to Rockford had Laurent Broissoit been healthy enough to play. But it's still a question as to whether he can be a true No. 1 goaltender. 

Drew Commesso, who looked very promising during his excellent stint in the NCAA, is adjusting to pro-level hockey in Rockford. His future isn't clear and will need more time in Rockford to develop. Adam Gajan, drafted in 2023, is in his freshman year at the University of Minnesota, has a .889 SV% and has a long way to go. 

The Hawks are also carrying three goaltenders with Petr Mrazek not having his best season.

Spencer Knight solves a lot of questions for the Blackhawks. Should he reach his ceiling, the Blackhawks will have a legitimate starting goaltender. If Soderblom wants to play elsewhere, the Hawks will have no problem trading him. Goalies tend to be in high demand across the NHL. 

This also gives time to let Commesso and Gajan develop.