Chicago, IL – The Chicago Blackhawks have made a significant move to solidify their goaltending future, announcing today the signing of netminder Spencer Knight to a three-year contract extension. The deal, worth $17.5 million and carrying an annual average value of $5.83 million, begins with the 2026-27 NHL season and will keep Knight in Chicago through the 2028-29 campaign. This agreement underscores the organization’s commitment to Knight as a cornerstone piece of their ongoing rebuild.
The Extension Details
The new pact for the 24-year-old goaltender comes as he enters the final year of his previous contract, which carried a $4.5 million cap hit. The $5.83 million AAV places Knight among the league’s established starters, with his salary comparable to other notable NHL goaltenders like Logan Thompson. The contract is structured with no signing or performance bonuses, but the final year includes a modified no-trade clause. This extension provides both Knight and the Blackhawks with crucial long-term stability at a position that has been a focal point in the team’s strategic development.
Knight’s Path to Chicago
Knight arrived in Chicago on March 1, 2025, acquired from the Florida Panthers in a notable trade that sent defenseman Seth Jones to Florida, along with a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft in exchange for Knight and a fourth-round selection. Hailed as a highly-touted prospect since being selected 13th overall by the Panthers in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Knight played college hockey at Boston College before making his NHL debut in the 2020-21 season.
His career has seen significant highs, including winning gold with Team USA at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship. However, it has also been marked by challenges. In February 2023, Knight stepped away from the game to enter the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program to address Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). He spent the entire 2023-24 season with the American Hockey League’s Charlotte Checkers to regain his form and playing rhythm.
Performance and Potential in Chicago
During the 2024-25 season, Knight split time between the Panthers and the Blackhawks, compiling a combined 17-16-3 record with a 2.72 goals-against average (GAA) and a .902 save percentage (SV%) over 38 appearances. In 15 games with Chicago after the trade deadline, he posted a 5-8-2 record with a 3.18 GAA and an .893 SV% [Initial Context]. Despite these numbers, Blackhawks management sees significant potential and commitment from the young goaltender.
General Manager Kyle Davidson highlighted Knight’s immediate impact, stating, “After joining the team in March, Spencer quickly cemented himself as a crucial piece of our future. A talented, young goaltender, he brings athleticism, sound positioning and a calm demeanor to his game, and we’re excited to watch Spencer continue to flourish in Chicago over the next four seasons”. This endorsement suggests confidence in Knight’s ability to overcome past inconsistencies and become a reliable presence in net.
Securing the Future in Net
The Blackhawks have experienced a notable lack of goaltending stability since the departure of Corey Crawford in 2020, cycling through numerous netminders. This extension for Knight directly addresses that need, aligning with General Manager Kyle Davidson’s long-term rebuilding strategy, which emphasizes developing young talent acquired through the draft and trades. By securing Knight, the organization believes they have found a key piece for their defensive structure and a player capable of handling the pressures of a starting role.
The 2025-26 season will be pivotal for Knight, as he is expected to be the primary starter and carry a significant workload for the first time in his career. The contract provides him with the security to focus on his game and development without the distraction of impending free agency. It also brings clarity to Chicago’s goaltending depth chart, working alongside other goalies on the roster as they continue to build a competitive team.
A Significant Investment in the Rebuild
This contract represents a substantial investment by the Chicago Blackhawks in their future. As the NHL’s salary cap is projected to increase significantly in the coming seasons, teams are positioning themselves for future competitiveness. Knight’s $5.83 million cap hit signifies the organization’s belief in his capabilities and his role in their plan to contend once again. The move is a key development in Chicago’s ongoing sports narrative, aiming to recapture past glories through strategic player development and acquisitions.
With Knight now under contract for the foreseeable future, the Blackhawks can continue to build their roster, focusing on surrounding their young core with the talent needed to emerge from their rebuild and compete in the trending NHL landscape. The team and its fanbase will be watching closely as Spencer Knight aims to fulfill the considerable expectations placed upon him as Chicago’s goaltender of the future.
