Welcome back to the latest NHL Rumours, and we just had an update from the Windy City, and here’s another. Today we explore what Elliotte Friedman was hinting at when he was discussing an update on the Chicago Blackhawks. No, we aren’t referring to Frank Nazar or Connor Bedard, but rather another restricted free agent. So, let’s dive in.
NHL Rumours: Lots Swirling in the Windy City and Some Chatter from the Net
Rumour: On 32 Thoughts Podcast, Friedman is suggesting that Chicago is looking to continue to do business. What he is referring to is their goalie, who is set to be an RFA after 2025-26, Spencer Knight.
Analysis: Chicago has lots of cap space. Also, Knight seems like a fairly low-risk signing, given his potential upside. He is of the age range to develop with the club’s current core group of players. It seems like a match.
Friedman referenced lots going on in Chicago. He acknowledged the recent Nazar signing, and marveled at his potential upside. Friedman went on to add that his inclusion to the US Olympic Orientation Camp isn’t just a courtesy, but he has earned his stripes. He also touched on Bedard, as we previously explored. Finally, in the spirit of their front office remaining busy, he referenced Spencer Knight’s future.
“He’s up after this year, and the surest predictor of future behavior is past behavior.”
As it stands, Knight will be a free agent in the summer of 2026. He seems like a great fit, given his age and career trajectory in the Chicago organization. Furthermore, when he has been successful, it was very successful.
Last season with the Florida Panthers for 23 games, he went 12-8-1 with two shutouts, posted a 2.40 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage. His numbers did slip, as you can imagine, with the Hawks, but still relatively decent on a poor defensive team. His .893 SV% in 15 games was more than respectable. Overall for his career, he’s played 95 games with a 2.83 GAA and a .904 SV%. In any case, he is more than ready to take a shot at the starter’s role with the rebuilding Blackhawks franchise. He’s currently 24, and with the experience he already has, will be more than on track to grow alongside guys like Bedard, Nazar, Kevin Korchinski, and Artyom Levshunov, among others.
The Hawks Situation and the Health Competition Between the Pipes
There’s more to these NHL Rumours, too. Chicago has also done well to provide Knight with a good combination of support and competition between the pipes. Arvid Soderblom has been Chicago’s goaltending homegrown talent. He would love to grow into an NHL goaltender, either as a backup or a starter. Moreover, a goalie a little more proven, in Laurent Brossoit is there to keep both of them accountable.
Knight is the highest paid of the trio at $4.5 million for the coming season. Therefore, he has a fairly high standard set for himself. But given his ability, he is more than capable of making it work. On the other hand, Chicago might be wise to sign him early, as we are discussing. If he has a big year in Chicago, and plus the competition for a goalie of his age and potential NHL ceiling, teams might make him an offer sheet candidate into next summer. If Chicago can lock him up early, it will likely pay off in the long run. We will just have to wait and see what happens.
Main Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
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