In exchange for defender Seth Jones and a 2026 fourth-round selection, the Chicago Blackhawks today announced that they have acquired goalkeeper Spencer Knight and a conditional 2026 first-round pick from the Florida Panthers. Chicago will also keep 26 percent of Jones’ pay.
In 23 games with the Panthers in the 2024–25 season, Knight, 23, had a 12-8-1 record, a 2.40 goals-against average, a.907 save percentage, and two shutouts. Among all league goalies who have participated in 20 or more games this season, his 2.40 goals-against average comes in sixth place. Knight has a 1.66 goals-against average, a.937 save percentage, and one shutout in his 6-2-0 record since January 3. During that time, he ranks fifth in the NHL in both save % and goals-against average.
In his 80 career games, the 6-foot-3, 191-pound goalie has a 44-25-7 record and five shutouts, all with Florida. Among all NHL goaltenders who have played in 80 games or fewer, he is tied for the most shutouts with five since his 2020–21 debut. During the 2021–22 season, he went 19-9-3 with two shutouts in 27 games, setting a career high of 19 victories. Knight has also participated in 58 games with the American Hockey League’s Charlotte Checkers, recording a 33-19-5 record, 2.50 goals against average,.905 save percentage, and eight shutouts.
In the first round (13th overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft, Knight was initially selected by the Florida Panthers. He played at Boston College (NCAA) for two seasons before being picked, going 39-12-3 in 54 games with a 2.05 goals-against average, a.931 save percentage, and eight shutouts. Knight finished as a Top-10 contender for the Hobey Baker Award and was awarded the NCAA Hockey East Player of the Year and Hockey East Goaltender of the Year in his second season with Boston College in 2020–21.
The product of Darien, Connecticut, with a 5-1-0 record, a 1.63 goals-against average, a.940 save percentage, and three shutouts to lead the United States win a gold medal at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championships. His.940 save % was second, and his three shutouts equaled the tournament record. Knight has also earned bronze in the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championship, silver with Team USA in the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championships, and the 2018 IIHF World U18 Championship.
In 42 games this season, Jones, 30, has scored 27 points (7G, 20A) for the Blackhawks. He led the team defensemen with seven goals and 27 points apiece, and he shared first place with 20 assists. Jones is tied for second place among NHL blueliners with five power play goals.
Jones joined the Blackhawks on July 23, 2021, and played in 259 games throughout the 2021–25 regular season, scoring 146 points (32G, 114A). Jones led all club skaters in goals (12), assists (25) and points (37) during the 2022–2023 season. He also played for the Blackhawks in the 2023 NHL All-Star Game.
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