Spencer Knight Shines in Blackhawks Debut, Stops 41 in 5-1 Win

Goaltender Spencer Knight put on a show in his first game since being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. Knight capped off his unforgettable Chicago debut with a 5-1 win, making 41 saves on 42 shots.

Knight Traded to Chicago:

On Saturday, March 1, the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers completed a trade that sent former All-Star and top defenseman Seth Jones, along with a 2026 fourth-round pick, to Florida in exchange for Spencer Knight and a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Florida will also retain 25% of Jones' $9.5 million contract, which runs through 2030.

According to NHL.com, Panthers GM Bill Zito is thrilled to have Jones in a Panthers uniform.

"He has been one of the most consistent players of the past decade, serving as a reliable workhorse on both sides of the puck, and he will help our club continue to compete at the highest level," said Zito.

Knight Locked In Early:

Right from puck drop, Knight was tested with multiple quality scoring chances from the LA Kings. Within the first eight minutes of the game, the Kings registered 10 shots on goal, but none squeaked by Knight. At the end of the first period, the shots were 17-7 in favor of LA, with the score tied 1-1.

One & Done:

Kings' captain Anze Kopitar was the only player to score on Knight in Monday's contest. The Kings threw everything they had at Knight, but he stood tall and secured the win for Chicago.

Knight controlled the game masterfully. He was spectacular in every facet—his rebounds were controlled, he made big saves when needed, played the puck extremely well, and gave Chicago exactly what they needed to win.

Big Praise for Knight:

According to Bruce Mills of NHL.com, Blackhawks head coach Anders Sorensen was extremely impressed with Knight's performance.

"Calm is probably the word, right?" said Sorensen. "He just looked so composed back there, so tight down low. He even made some great puck plays. So, yeah, big part of it, obviously."

Even the opposing team had praise for Knight. LA's Warren Foegele said, "I don’t know how many grade A's he stopped, but he stopped a lot, especially in the first there. It could have been a 2-0 lead for us. And even at the end there, we were pressing pretty hard. He’s a heck of a goalie."

What Does This Mean for Chicago’s Other Netminders?:

With Knight’s arrival, Petr Mrazek or Arvid Soderblom is likely to be moved before the March 7 trade deadline. Mrazek has a 10-19-2 record with a 3.46 GAA and an .890 save percentage, while Soderblom has an 8-15-5 record with a 3.02 GAA and .906 save percentage.

Knight’s Debut Sets the Tone for Chicago’s Future:

Knight’s remarkable performance in his Blackhawks debut not only secured a much-needed win but also signaled a potential shift in Chicago’s goaltending hierarchy. If he continues to deliver at this level, he could quickly establish himself as the team's go-to netminder. With the trade deadline looming, the Blackhawks will have crucial decisions to make regarding their goalie depth. For now, though, one thing is certain—Knight has arrived in Chicago with a statement, and Blackhawks fans have plenty to be excited about.