The Chicago Blackhawks have locked up their potential goalie of the future, signing Spencer Knight to a three-year, $17.5 million extension that will keep him in the Windy City through 2029.
The deal, worth $5.833 million per season, shows just how much faith Chicago has in the young netminder they acquired from Florida in the Seth Jones trade earlier this month.
"Spencer quickly cemented himself as a crucial piece of our future," Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said. "He brings athleticism, sound positioning and a calm demeanor to his game."
The 22-year-old Knight has had quite a journey to get here.
Selected 13th overall by Florida in the 2019 NHL Draft, he quickly worked his way up to become the Panthers’ backup goalie by the 2021-22 season. His potential was so promising that Florida signed him to a three-year, $13.5 million deal.
But things took an unexpected turn.
In February 2023, Knight stepped away from hockey to enter the NHL’s player assistance program, seeking treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. It was a brave decision that put his health first.
He spent this season rebuilding his game in the American Hockey League, posting solid numbers with the Charlotte Checkers – a 2.41 goals-against average and .905 save percentage in 45 games.
Now with Chicago, Knight has a fresh start and the organization’s full confidence. The Blackhawks are betting big that he’ll develop into their number one goalie for years to come.
Davidson summed up the team’s excitement: "We’re looking forward to watching Spencer continue to flourish in Chicago over the next four seasons."
