Spencer Knight

{{Infobox ice hockey player

| name = Spencer Knight

| image = Spencer Knight 3-Dec-2022.jpg

| image_size = 230px

| caption = Knight with the Florida Panthers in 2022

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2001|4|19}}

| birth_place = Darien, Connecticut, U.S.

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 3

| weight_lbs = 192

| position = Goaltender

| catches = Left

| league = NHL

| team = Chicago Blackhawks

| prospect_league = AHL

| prospect_team =

| former_teams = Florida Panthers

| ntl_team =

| draft = 13th overall

| draft_year = 2019

| draft_team = Florida Panthers

| career_start = 2021

| career_end =

}}

Spencer Knight (born April 19, 2001) is an American professional ice hockey goaltender for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Florida Panthers selected him in the first round, 13th overall, of the 2019 NHL entry draft.

Born and raised in Darien, Connecticut, Knight became a goaltender after watching Henrik Lundqvist play for the New York Rangers. He spent one year at Darien High School and another at Avon Old Farms before joining the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in 2018. After setting a program record by winning 59 games in two seasons, Knight, who was the first goaltender to be drafted by the Panthers in the first round, played college ice hockey for the Boston College Eagles. In his sophomore year with Boston College, he was named both the Hockey East Goaltending Champion and the Player of the Year, and he was a two-time finalist for the Mike Richter Award.

Knight left Boston College in 2021 to join the Panthers for the end of their 2020–21 season. He debuted with the team the day after his 20th birthday, becoming the first goaltender born in the 21st century to play in the NHL. Although he made 36 saves in his playoff debut, the Panthers were eliminated from the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round. Knight started the 2021–22 season as part of a goaltending tandem with Sergei Bobrovsky, but Bobrovsky's strong performance and Knight's unevenness led him to become a backup as the season progressed.

Early life

Knight was born on April 19, 2001, in Darien, Connecticut,{{cite web |title=Spencer Knight Stats and News |url=https://www.nhl.com/player/spencer-knight-8481519 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321112405/https://www.nhl.com/player/spencer-knight-8481519 |url-status=live}} to Chris and Lilly Knight. He began playing ice hockey at the age of two, and he started playing as a goaltender when he was ten years old. A fan of the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League, Knight was partially motivated to goaltend by watching Henrik Lundqvist.{{cite news |last=Olsen |first=Becky |title=For Spencer Knight, Love of Goaltending Started With Equipment |url=https://www.usahockeyntdp.com/news_article/show/899774 |publisher=USA Hockey National Team Development Program |date=March 20, 2018 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108230213/https://www.usahockeyntdp.com/news_article/show/899774 |url-status=live}} He attended Darien High School for one year before transferring to Avon Old Farms,{{cite news |last=Burnside |first=Scott |title='He's definitely unique': Spencer Knight marches to his own drum en route to NHL stardom |url=https://theathletic.com/2735862/2021/07/30/hes-definitely-unique-spencer-knight-marches-to-his-own-drum-en-route-to-nhl-stardom/ |work=The Athletic |date=July 30, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816135931/https://theathletic.com/2735862/2021/07/30/hes-definitely-unique-spencer-knight-marches-to-his-own-drum-en-route-to-nhl-stardom/ |url-status=live}} where he became the hockey team's starting goaltender in his first season.{{cite news |last=Kaplan |first=Emily |title=How Florida Panthers rookie Spencer Knight remains grounded amid his meteoric rise |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/31330482/how-florida-panthers-rookie-spencer-knight-remains-grounded-amid-meteoric-rise |work=ESPN |date=April 26, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330225656/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/31330482/how-florida-panthers-rookie-spencer-knight-remains-grounded-amid-meteoric-rise |url-status=live}} Playing alongside Trevor Zegras, Knight posted a 1.89 goals against average (GAA) and .935 save percentage (SV%) at Avon in 22 games as a sophomore.{{cite news |last=Malafronte |first=Chip |title=Darien's Spencer Knight taken 13th by Florida Panthers |url=https://www.nhregister.com/sports/article/Darien-s-Spencer-Knight-taken-13th-by-Flordia-14029681.php |work=New Haven Register |date=June 21, 2019 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=June 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622121626/https://www.nhregister.com/sports/article/Darien-s-Spencer-Knight-taken-13th-by-Flordia-14029681.php |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=McFarland |first=Shawn |title=Before they starred on the global hockey stage, Spencer Knight and Trevor Zegras got their start at Avon Old Farms |url=https://www.courant.com/sports/high-schools/hc-sp-trevor-zegras-spencer-knight-avon-old-farms-20210106-sb7dskbosff3razuzqgifj64uq-story.html |work=Hartford Courant |date=January 6, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |url-access=limited |archive-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707130948/https://www.courant.com/sports/high-schools/hc-sp-trevor-zegras-spencer-knight-avon-old-farms-20210106-sb7dskbosff3razuzqgifj64uq-story.html |url-status=live}}

Knight left Avon Old Farms after the 2016–17 season to join the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) in Michigan.{{cite news |last=Amore |first=Dom |title=Dom Amore: From Darien and Avon Old Farms, Spencer Knight has the stuff to be a first-round pick, franchise goalie in NHL |url=https://www.courant.com/sports/hc-sp-amore-column-nhl-draft-spencer-knight-20190617-6ttz5wpiqnd25mccgdujkmzv4y-story.html |work=Hartford Courant |date=June 17, 2019 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |url-access=limited |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709072555/https://www.courant.com/sports/hc-sp-amore-column-nhl-draft-spencer-knight-20190617-6ttz5wpiqnd25mccgdujkmzv4y-story.html |url-status=live}} In his first season with the team, Knight went 27–6–0 in 39 games, with a .911 SV%, 2.56 GAA, and one shutout.{{cite web |title=U.S. National Under-17 Team – 2017–18 Regular Season – Roster – #35 – Spencer Knight – G |url=https://www.usahockeyntdp.com/roster_players/20339183 |publisher=USA Hockey National Team Development Program |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024225300/https://www.usahockeyntdp.com/roster_players/20339183 |url-status=live}} The following year, he posted a 32–4–1 record, 2.36 GAA, .913 SV%, and two shutouts in 39 games. In 78 games with the NTDP, Knight set the program record with 59 wins across two seasons.{{cite news |last=Morreale |first=Mike G. |title=Knight could be rare goalie chosen in first round of NHL Draft |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/spencer-knight-rare-goalie-first-round-nhl-draft/c-307852426 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=June 17, 2019 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=January 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107155549/https://www.nhl.com/news/spencer-knight-rare-goalie-first-round-nhl-draft/c-307852426 |url-status=live}}

Playing career

=College=

Going into the 2019 NHL entry draft, the NHL Central Scouting Bureau ranked Knight the No. 1 available goaltender in North America.{{cite news |title=Florida Panthers Select Goaltender Spencer Knight 13th Overall |url=https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/florida-panthers-select-goaltender-spencer-knight-13th-overall-in-2019-nhl-draft/c-307959862 |publisher=National Hockey League |agency=Florida Panthers |date=June 21, 2019 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420211428/https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/florida-panthers-select-goaltender-spencer-knight-13th-overall-in-2019-nhl-draft/c-307959862 |url-status=live}} The Florida Panthers selected him 13th overall, the first time they had taken a goaltender in the first round of the NHL draft,{{cite news |last=Olive |first=Jameson |title=Going Big: Panthers Draft 'Franchise-Type Goalie' Spencer Knight |url=https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/going-big-panthers-draft-franchise-type-goalie-spencer-knight/c-307971846 |publisher=National Hockey League |agency=Florida Panthers |date=June 22, 2019 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805090954/https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/going-big-panthers-draft-franchise-type-goalie-spencer-knight/c-307971846 |url-status=live}} and he was the highest-drafted goaltender of any team since the Dallas Stars selected Jack Campbell 11th overall in the 2010 NHL entry draft.{{cite news |last=Woodley |first=Kevin |title=Knight rare goalie selected in top 13 of NHL Draft |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/goalie-spencer-knight-drafted-no-13-by-florida-panthers/c-307979526 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=June 22, 2019 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108005253/https://www.nhl.com/news/goalie-spencer-knight-drafted-no-13-by-florida-panthers/c-307979526 |url-status=live}} Before joining the Panthers, however, Knight attended Boston College to play hockey for the Eagles.{{cite news |last=Dusenbury |first=Wells |title=Florida Panthers select goalie Spencer Knight with 13th pick in NHL draft |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/florida-panthers/fl-sp-panthers-draft-first-round-20190622-nkpfzu7hrbbr3l633bmenbw7yy-story.html |work=Sun-Sentinel |date=June 21, 2019 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |url-access=limited |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626091824/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/florida-panthers/fl-sp-panthers-draft-first-round-20190622-nkpfzu7hrbbr3l633bmenbw7yy-story.html |url-status=live}}

Knight made his college hockey debut and recorded his first win in the Eagles' opening-night win over Wisconsin. Boston College won the game 5–3, with Knight making 23 saves in the process.{{cite news |title=Cotton and Mattila Lead #6 Eagles Past #15 Badgers on Opening Night |url=https://bceagles.com/news/2019/10/12/mens-hockey-cotton-and-mattila-lead-6-eagles-past-15-badgers-on-opening-night.aspx |publisher=Boston College Eagles |date=October 12, 2019 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330225700/https://bceagles.com/news/2019/10/12/mens-hockey-cotton-and-mattila-lead-6-eagles-past-15-badgers-on-opening-night.aspx |url-status=live}} After posting a 1.12 GAA and .959 SV% in November, he was named the Hockey East Rookie of the Month.{{cite news |title=Knight Recognized as Hockey East Rookie of the Month |url=https://bceagles.com/news/2019/12/5/mens-hockey-knight-recognized-as-hockey-east-rookie-of-the-month.aspx |publisher=Boston College Eagles |date=December 5, 2019 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330225658/https://bceagles.com/news/2019/12/5/mens-hockey-knight-recognized-as-hockey-east-rookie-of-the-month.aspx |url-status=live}} This was followed by a Hockey East Goaltender of the Month honor in December, when he finished the month on a nine-game winning streak. In 15 starts by the end of December, Knight led the conference with four shutouts and was second with a .940 SV% and 1.73 GAA.{{cite news |title=Knight Named Hockey East Goaltender of the Month |url=https://bceagles.com/news/2020/1/6/mens-hockey-knight-named-hockey-east-goaltender-of-the-month.aspx |publisher=Boston College Eagles |date=January 6, 2020 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330225658/https://bceagles.com/news/2020/1/6/mens-hockey-knight-named-hockey-east-goaltender-of-the-month.aspx |url-status=live}} The Eagles won the Hockey East regular-season title with their 4–1 defeat of rival Boston University on February 29, 2020. Knight made 30 saves to help Boston College to their victory.{{cite news |title=No. 4 Eagles Beat BU 4–1 to Capture 17th Regular Season Title |url=https://bceagles.com/news/2020/2/29/mens-hockey-no-4-eagles-bu.aspx |publisher=Boston College Eagles |date=February 29, 2020 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330225658/https://bceagles.com/news/2020/2/29/mens-hockey-no-4-eagles-bu.aspx |url-status=live}} Boston College would have entered the 2020 Hockey East Men's Ice Hockey Tournament as the No. 1 seed, but the tournament was cancelled due to concerns over the emergent COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |last=Mahoney |first=Andrew |title=Hockey East cancels postseason tournament |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/03/12/sports/hockey-east-cancels-postseason-tournament/ |work=Boston Globe |date=March 12, 2020 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318134130/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/03/12/sports/hockey-east-cancels-postseason-tournament/ |url-status=live}} Knight finished his freshman season with a 23–8–2 record, .931 SV%, and 1.97 GAA, and he was a finalist for the Mike Richter Award.{{cite news |title=Knight Announced as Finalist for Mike Richter Award |url=https://bceagles.com/news/2020/3/30/mens-hockey-knight-announced-as-finalist-for-mike-richter-award.aspx |publisher=Boston College Eagles |date=March 30, 2020 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330225659/https://bceagles.com/news/2020/3/30/mens-hockey-knight-announced-as-finalist-for-mike-richter-award.aspx |url-status=live}} Although the award ultimately went to Jeremy Swayman of the Maine Black Bears,{{cite news |title=Maine goalie Jeremy Swayman wins 2020 Mike Richter Award |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/icehockey-men/article/2020-04-12/college-hockey-maine-goalie-jeremy-swayman-wins-2020-mike |publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association |date=April 12, 2020 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=January 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114053919/https://www.ncaa.com/news/icehockey-men/article/2020-04-12/college-hockey-maine-goalie-jeremy-swayman-wins-2020-mike |url-status=live}} Knight was named to both the Hockey East All-Rookie Team and the Second All-Star Team.{{cite news |title=Boldy, Knight and Newhook Named to Hockey East All-Rookie Team |url=https://bceagles.com/news/2020/3/17/mens-hockey-boldy-knight-and-newhook-named-to-hockey-east-all-rookie-team.aspx |publisher=Boston College Eagles |date=March 17, 2020 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=April 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412033923/https://bceagles.com/news/2020/3/17/mens-hockey-boldy-knight-and-newhook-named-to-hockey-east-all-rookie-team.aspx |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Five Eagles Represented on Hockey East All-Star Teams |url=https://bceagles.com/news/2020/3/18/mens-hockey-five-eagles-represented-on-hockey-east-all-star-teams.aspx |publisher=Boston College Eagles |date=March 18, 2020 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330225659/https://bceagles.com/news/2020/3/18/mens-hockey-five-eagles-represented-on-hockey-east-all-star-teams.aspx |url-status=live}}

Knight and his teammate Matt Boldy both received Hockey East Player of the Week Honors for their two-game sweep of the Providence Friars on December 4 and 5, 2020. Knight shut out the Friars in both games, stopping all 66 shots that he faced in the series.{{cite news |title=Boldy, Knight Share Hockey East Player of the Week Honors |url=https://bceagles.com/news/2020/12/7/mens-hockey-boldy-knight-share-hockey-east-player-of-the-week-honors.aspx |publisher=Boston College Eagles |date=December 7, 2020 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=December 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210230659/https://bceagles.com/news/2020/12/7/mens-hockey-boldy-knight-share-hockey-east-player-of-the-week-honors.aspx |url-status=live}} He was named the Hockey East Goaltender of the Month as a combined award for November and December after beginning the season 4–0–0 with a .955 SV% and 1.50 GAA.{{cite news |title=Knight Recognized as Hockey East Goaltender of the Month |url=https://bceagles.com/news/2021/1/4/mens-hockey-knight-recognized-as-hockey-east-goaltender-of-the-month.aspx |publisher=Boston College Eagles |date=January 4, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=January 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104205053/https://bceagles.com/news/2021/1/4/mens-hockey-knight-recognized-as-hockey-east-goaltender-of-the-month.aspx |url-status=live}} He finished the season with a 15–2–1 record in 18 starts, accompanied by a .937 SV% and 1.99 GAA. Hockey East named Knight both a First Team All-Star and their 2021 Goaltender of the Year.{{cite news |last=Ingram |first=Alastair |title=Knight Named Goalie of the Year, Eagles Land Four on Hockey East All-Star Teams |url=https://bceagles.com/news/2021/3/12/mens-hockey-knight-named-goalie-of-the-year-eagles-land-four-on-hockey-east-all-star-teams.aspx |publisher=Boston College Eagles |date=March 12, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=April 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423054207/https://bceagles.com/news/2021/3/12/mens-hockey-knight-named-goalie-of-the-year-eagles-land-four-on-hockey-east-all-star-teams.aspx |url-status=live}} He was also named the Hockey East Player of the Year, becoming the first goaltender to win the award since Thatcher Demko in 2016.{{cite news |last=Ingram |first=Alastair |title=Knight, Nesterenko and York Receive Major Hockey East Awards |url=https://bceagles.com/news/2021/3/16/mens-hockey-knight-nesterenko-and-york-receive-major-hockey-east-awards.aspx |publisher=Boston College Eagles |date=March 16, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330225700/https://bceagles.com/news/2021/3/16/mens-hockey-knight-nesterenko-and-york-receive-major-hockey-east-awards.aspx |url-status=live}} A finalist for both the Mike Richter Award and the Hobey Baker Award, the American Hockey Coaches Association named Knight a Division I All-American.{{cite news |last=Ingram |first=Alastair |title=Knight Named Top-3 Finalist for Mike Richter Award |url=https://bceagles.com/news/2021/3/26/mens-hockey-knight-named-top-3-finalist-for-mike-richter-award.aspx |publisher=Boston College Eagles |date=March 26, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=April 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426052953/https://bceagles.com/news/2021/3/26/mens-hockey-knight-named-top-3-finalist-for-mike-richter-award.aspx |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Ingram |first=Alastair |title=Boston College Trio Named Division I All-Americans |url=https://bceagles.com/news/2021/4/9/mens-hockey-boston-college-trio-named-division-i-all-americans.aspx |publisher=Boston College Eagles |date=April 9, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=April 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426052902/https://bceagles.com/news/2021/4/9/mens-hockey-boston-college-trio-named-division-i-all-americans.aspx |url-status=live}} Despite making a season-high 43 saves in Boston College's semifinal game against UMass Lowell in the semifinal rounds of the 2021 Hockey East Men's Ice Hockey Tournament, Boston College lost the game 6–5 in double overtime.{{cite news |last=Ingram |first=Alastair |title=No. 1 Eagles Suffer Double Overtime Heartbreaker in Semifinal to UMass Lowell |url=https://bceagles.com/news/2021/3/17/mens-hockey-no-1-eagles-suffer-double-overtime-heartbreaker-in-semifinal-to-umass-lowell.aspx |publisher=Boston College Eagles |date=March 17, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=March 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318072135/https://bceagles.com/news/2021/3/17/mens-hockey-no-1-eagles-suffer-double-overtime-heartbreaker-in-semifinal-to-umass-lowell.aspx |url-status=live}} The Eagles advanced to the 2021 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Tournament, where they lost 4–1 to St. Cloud State in the Northeast Regional Finals. Knight made 32 saves, but the Huskies outshot the Eagles 36–27 to win the game.{{cite news |last=Ingram |first=Alastair |title=Eagles Fall to St. Cloud State 4–1 in NCAA Regional Final |url=https://bceagles.com/news/2021/3/28/mens-hockey-eagles-fall-to-st-cloud-state-4-1-in-ncaa-regional-final.aspx |publisher=Boston College Eagles |date=March 28, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=March 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329015128/https://bceagles.com/news/2021/3/28/mens-hockey-eagles-fall-to-st-cloud-state-4-1-in-ncaa-regional-final.aspx |url-status=live}} After the Eagles' 2020–21 season came to a close, Knight agreed to finish his college career to sign with the Panthers.{{cite news |last=Olive |first=Jameson |title=Knight Elated After Signing with Panthers: 'It Doesn't Seem to be Real' |url=https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/knight-elated-after-signing-with-panthers-it-doesnt-seem-to-be-real/c-323118278 |publisher=National Hockey League |agency=Florida Panthers |date=March 31, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418030812/https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/knight-elated-after-signing-with-panthers-it-doesnt-seem-to-be-real/c-323118278 |url-status=live}} He finished his career with a 39–12–3 record, a 2.05 GAA, and eight shutouts in 54 starts.{{cite news |last=Ingram |first=Alastair |title=Knight Recognized as Male Eagle of the Year |url=https://bceagles.com/news/2021/5/24/mens-hockey-knight-recognized-as-male-eagle-of-the-year.aspx |publisher=Boston College Eagles |date=May 24, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=May 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525175808/https://bceagles.com/news/2021/5/24/mens-hockey-knight-recognized-as-male-eagle-of-the-year.aspx |url-status=live}}

=Professional=

==Florida Panthers (2021–2025)==

Knight signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Panthers on March 31, 2021, joining the team for the remainder of the 2020–21 season.{{cite news |title=Florida Panthers Agree to Terms with Goaltender Spencer Knight |url=https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/florida-panthers-agree-to-terms-with-goaltender-spencer-knight/c-323114618 |publisher=National Hockey League |agency=Florida Panthers |date=March 31, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=October 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008152953/https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/florida-panthers-agree-to-terms-with-goaltender-spencer-knight/c-323114618 |url-status=live}} He made his NHL debut on April 20, 2021, and made 33 saves on 34 shots of the Panthers' 5–1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. In addition to becoming the youngest goaltender to record a win for the Panthers, he was the first in franchise history to win his debut game.{{Cite news |last=Vanoni |first=Maggie |title=Darien's Spencer Knight spectacular in NHL debut for Florida Panthers |url=https://www.ctpost.com/sports/article/Darien-s-Spencer-Knight-spectacular-in-NHL-16118063.php |work=Connecticut Post |date=April 21, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=April 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421195419/https://www.ctpost.com/sports/article/Darien-s-Spencer-Knight-spectacular-in-NHL-16118063.php |url-status=live}} Debuting the day after his 20th birthday, Knight was the first goaltender born in the 21st century to appear in an NHL game.{{cite news |last=Woodley |first=Kevin |title=Knight latest U.S.-born goalie success after NHL debut with Panthers |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/unmasked-spencer-knight-latest-american-born-goalie-success/c-323950028 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=April 23, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=April 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428140551/https://www.nhl.com/news/unmasked-spencer-knight-latest-american-born-goalie-success/c-323950028 |url-status=live}} He made four regular-season appearances with the Panthers, winning all of them and posting a .919 SV% and 2.32 GAA.{{cite news |last=Satriano |first=David |title=Lightning will play Panthers in first round of Stanley Cup Playoffs |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-will-play-florida-panthers-in-first-round/c-324461792 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=May 9, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=May 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508032258/https://www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-will-play-florida-panthers-in-first-round/c-324461792 |url-status=live}} In doing so, he became the youngest goaltender in NHL history to begin his career 4–0.{{cite news |last=Gereffi |first=Paul |title=Aleksander Barkov's goal in overtime lifts Panthers over Stars |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/florida-panthers/fl-sp-panthers-stars-mon-20210504-4cz6plqi4nb3xcpln52ablm4ye-story.html |work=Sun-Sentinel |agency=Associated Press |date=May 3, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |url-access=limited |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629065902/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/florida-panthers/fl-sp-panthers-stars-mon-20210504-4cz6plqi4nb3xcpln52ablm4ye-story.html |url-status=live}} The Panthers entered the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs facing the Tampa Bay Lightning. Facing elimination in Game 5 of the best-of-seven series, coach Joel Quenneville gave Knight the start over Sergei Bobrovsky and Chris Driedger.{{cite news |last=Furones |first=David |title=Panthers' suspenseful Game 5 goalie announcement results in rookie Spencer Knight getting the start |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/florida-panthers/fl-sp-panthers-lightning-game-5-notes-20210524-abs2m4vmxzcbhkkztgfd4e6mcq-story.html |work=Sun-Sentinel |date=May 24, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702000838/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/florida-panthers/fl-sp-panthers-lightning-game-5-notes-20210524-abs2m4vmxzcbhkkztgfd4e6mcq-story.html |url-status=live}} He allowed a goal on the first shot of the game, from Blake Coleman, but made 36 saves to win the game 4–1 for Florida. At 20 years and 35 days of age, Knight was the second-youngest NHL goaltender to win his playoff debut, following Don Beaupre, who was 19 years and 202 days old when he won for the Minnesota North Stars in the 1981 Stanley Cup playoffs.{{cite news |last=Poupart |first=Alain |title=Knight helps Panthers avoid elimination with Game 5 win against Lightning |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-florida-panthers-game-5-recap/c-324664038 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=May 25, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=October 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010145746/https://www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-florida-panthers-game-5-recap/c-324664038 |url-status=live}} The Panthers were eliminated from the playoffs in the next game with a 4–0 shutout loss.{{cite news |last=Gretz |first=Adam |title=Lightning put an end to Panthers' surprising season with Game 6 shutout |url=https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2021/05/26/tampa-bay-lightning-put-an-end-to-florida-panthers-surprising-season-with-game-6-shutout/ |work=Pro Hockey Talk |publisher=NBC Sports |date=May 26, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711193304/https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2021/05/26/tampa-bay-lightning-put-an-end-to-florida-panthers-surprising-season-with-game-6-shutout/ |url-status=live}} Knight allowed three goals, with Alex Killorn scoring the fourth on an empty net.{{cite news |last=Olive |first=Jameson |title=5 Takeaways: Despite Playoff Exit, Panthers Prideful in Resurgent Season |url=https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/5-takeaways-despite-playoff-exit-panthers-prideful-in-resurgent-season/c-325030128 |publisher=National Hockey League |agency=Florida Panthers |date=May 27, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=May 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527061529/https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/5-takeaways-despite-playoff-exit-panthers-prideful-in-resurgent-season/c-325030128 |url-status=live}}

The Panthers lost Driedger to the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 NHL expansion draft,{{cite news |last=Condor |first=Bob |title=Seattle Kraken Make Their Picks |url=https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/seattle-kraken-2021-expansion-draft-running-blog/c-325707088 |publisher=National Hockey League |agency=Seattle Kraken |date=July 21, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019043908/https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/seattle-kraken-2021-expansion-draft-running-blog/c-325707088 |url-status=live}} and so they entered the 2021–22 season with a goaltending tandem of Bobrovsky and Knight. Florida opened the season 10–0–1, with Knight posting a .918 SV% and 2.51 GAA in his first five starts.{{cite news |last=Shilton |first=Kristen |title=How the Panthers make one of the NHL's best goalie tandems work |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/32583982/how-panthers-make-one-nhl-best-goalie-tandems-work |work=ESPN |date=November 9, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=November 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130035412/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/32583982/how-panthers-make-one-nhl-best-goalie-tandems-work |url-status=live}} Knight's playing time decreased as the season progressed, both due to inconsistent performances on his end and due to Bobrovsky's resurgence.{{cite news |last=Wilson |first=David |title=Is it time for concern about Spencer Knight? 'We're not worried about him,' Panthers say |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nhl/florida-panthers/article257481449.html |work=Miami Herald |date=January 19, 2022 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330225721/https://account.miamiherald.com/paywall/subscriber-only?resume=257481449&intcid=ab_archive |url-status=live}} On January 29, 2022, the Panthers sent Knight to the Charlotte Checkers, their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, to "keep his cadence" and continue to receive playing time through the NHL All-Star Game break.{{cite news |last=Wilson |first=David |title=Could Knight's trip to the minors go beyond All-Star break? It may not be the worst idea |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nhl/florida-panthers/article257814123.html |work=Miami Herald |date=January 29, 2022 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330225725/https://account.miamiherald.com/paywall/subscriber-only?resume=257814123&intcid=ab_archive |url-status=live}} He spent all of February in Charlotte, going 7–3–0 with a .917 SV% before he was recalled back to Florida on March 6.{{cite news |last=Olive |first=Jameson |title=Preview: Knight starts as Reihnart, Montour return to Buffalo |url=https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/preview-knight-starts-as-reinhart-montour-return-to-buffalo/c-331554352 |publisher=National Hockey League |agency=Florida Panthers |date=March 7, 2022 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308022045/https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/preview-knight-starts-as-reinhart-montour-return-to-buffalo/c-331554352 |url-status=live}} After going 6–1–0 with a 2.16 GAA and .925 SV% in seven games that month, including a shutout, Knight was named the NHL Rookie of the Month for April 2022.{{cite news |title=Knight of Panthers named NHL Rookie of the Month for April |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/spencer-knight-named-april-2022-nhl-rookie-of-the-month/c-333621622 |publisher=National Hockey League |agency=NHL Public Relations |date=April 30, 2022 |access-date=May 18, 2022}} In 32 games during his sophomore NHL season, Knight finished with a 19–9–3 record, a .908 SV%, and a 2.79 GAA.{{cite news |last=Tingley |first=Grant |title=Panthers' 3 Keys to Success in 2022 Playoffs |url=https://thehockeywriters.com/panthers-keys-2022-playoffs-success/ |work=The Hockey Writers |date=May 1, 2022 |access-date=May 18, 2022}} He entered the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs as a backup to Bobrovsky, not appearing at all in the Panthers' first-round series against the Washington Capitals.{{cite news |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |title=2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Panthers vs. Lightning second-round series preview |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-tampa-bay-lightning-second-round-series-preview/c-334100314 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=May 16, 2022 |access-date=May 18, 2022}}

On September 27, 2022, Knight signed a three-year contract extension with the Panthers.{{cite web |title=Spencer Knight Agrees to Terms on Contract Extension with Panthers |url=https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/spencer-knight-agrees-to-terms-on-contract-extension-with-florida-panthers/c-335820808 |website=NHL.com |access-date=September 28, 2022 |date=September 27, 2022}}

In February of 2023, Knight entered the NHL Player Assistance Program to receive care for his battle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). {{Cite web |date=2023-02-24 |title=Panthers' Spencer Knight to receive care from NHL/NHLPA player assistance program |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/panthers-spencer-knight-to-receive-care-from-nhlnhlpa-player-assistance-program/#:~:text=Under%20the%20conditions%20of%20the,starts%20since%20joining%20the%20team. |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}

==Chicago Blackhawks (2025–present)==

On March 1, 2025, the Panthers traded Knight and a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL entry draft to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Seth Jones and a fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft.{{cite news |title=Seth Jones traded to Panthers by Blackhawks for Knight, 1st-round pick |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/seth-jones-traded-to-florida-panthers-by-chicago-blackhawks |publisher=National Hockey League |date=March 1, 2025 |access-date=March 2, 2025}} In Chicago, Knight joined a goaltending corps that included Arvid Söderblom, Petr Mrázek, and Laurent Brossoit,{{cite news |last=Pope |first=Ben |title=Blackhawks trade defenseman Seth Jones to Panthers, acquire potential goalie of the future in Spencer Knight |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2025/03/01/seth-jones-trade-blackhawks-panthers-spencer-knight-nhl-deadline |work=Chicago Sun-Times |date=March 1, 2025 |access-date=March 2, 2025}} though it soon became a tandem as Mrázek was traded to the Detroit Red Wings shortly after. On March 3, in his first game with the Blackhawks, Knight made 41 saves on 42 shots in a 5–1 win over the Los Angeles Kings.{{cite news|title=Blackhawks goalie Spencer Knight sparks 'team win' in debut |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/44098094/new-chicago-blackhawks-goalie-spencer-knight-set-debut |work=ESPN |date=March 3, 2025 |access-date=March 4, 2025}}

International play

{{MedalCountry|{{ihj|USA}}}}

Knight won a bronze medal with the NTDP at the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championships in Sweden. He had a 1.51 GAA and .936 SV% in six tournament games, winning five and losing to the Russian team in a semifinal round shootout. That same year, he traveled to the 2019 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships with the silver medalist USA junior team as their third goaltender.{{cite news |last=Morreale |first=Mike G. |title=Knight's athleticism, focus could make him first-round pick at 2019 Draft |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/spencer-knight-could-be-2019-first-round-draft-pick/c-307509498 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=May 23, 2019 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=December 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201001557/https://www.nhl.com/news/spencer-knight-could-be-2019-first-round-draft-pick/c-307509498 |url-status=live}}

After not receiving any playing time in the 2019 tournament, Knight hoped to play a larger role for the United States team at the 2020 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.{{cite news |last=Morreale |first=Mike G. |title=Knight ready to prove himself, play larger role for U.S. at 2020 WJC |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-goalie-prospect-spencer-knight-ready-for-world-juniors/c-312799228 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=December 25, 2019 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=March 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303094051/https://www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-goalie-prospect-spencer-knight-ready-for-world-juniors/c-312799228 |url-status=live}} The team was eliminated in the quarterfinals after a 1–0 loss to Finland, but Knight personally played well, with two wins, a 2.49 GAA, and .913 SV% in the four games in which he appeared.{{cite news |last=Morreale |first=Mike G. |title=United States got away from identity in loss at World Junior Championship |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/world-juniors-united-states-defeated-by-finland-in-quarterfinal/c-313373498 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=January 2, 2020 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=February 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227160427/https://www.nhl.com/news/world-juniors-united-states-defeated-by-finland-in-quarterfinal/c-313373498 |url-status=live}} Following his team's early elimination in 2020, Knight and the United States won gold at the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, shutting out Canada 2–0 in the championship match. Knight finished the tournament with a 5–1–0 record, 1.63 GAA, .940 SV%, and three shutouts, and Team USA named him the Player of the Game for the gold medal match.{{cite news |title=Spencer Knight Wins Gold with USA at 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship |url=https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/spencer-knight-wins-gold-with-usa-at-2021-iihf-world-junior-championship/c-320009874 |publisher=National Hockey League |agency=Florida Panthers |date=January 6, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |archive-date=January 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120173542/https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/spencer-knight-wins-gold-with-usa-at-2021-iihf-world-junior-championship/c-320009874 |url-status=live}}

Personal life

Knight has obsessive–compulsive disorder. He began experiencing symptoms in 2019, during his first year at Boston College, and has been managing the disorder with an expert since 2023.{{cite news |last=Campbell |first=Ken |title=Exclusive: Spencer Knight on Why He Sought Help |url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/exclusive-spencer-knight-on-why-he-sought-help |work=The Hockey News |publisher=Sports Illustrated |date=September 16, 2023 |access-date=March 2, 2025}}

Career statistics

Information on career statistics derived from Elite Prospects.{{cite web |title=Spencer Knight |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/379758/spencer-knight |website=Elite Prospects |access-date=August 16, 2022}}

=Regular season and playoffs=

border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="text-align:center; width:75%;"
bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3" bgcolor="#ffffff"\| ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff"\| ! colspan="9" bgcolor="#e0e0e0"\|Regular season ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff"\| ! colspan="8" bgcolor="#e0e0e0"\|Playoffs
bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! Season ! Team ! League ! GP !! W !! L !! OT !! MIN !! GA !! SO !! GAA !! SV% ! GP !! W !! L !! MIN !! GA !! SO !! GAA !! SV%
2017–18 \| U.S. National Development Team \| USHL \| 19	13	4	0	982	52	0	3.18	.902 \| —	—	—	—	— \| —	—	—	—
bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \| 2018–19 \| U.S. National Development Team \| USHL \| 16	15	1	0	841	31	1	2.21	.903 \| —	—	—	—	— \| —	—	—	—
2019–20 \| Boston College \| HE \| 33	23	8	2	1,979	65	5	1.97	.931 \| —	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \| 2020–21 \| Boston College \| HE \| 21	16	4	1	1,296	47	3	2.18	.932 \| —	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2020–21 \| Florida Panthers \| NHL \| 4	4	0	0	207	8	0	2.32	.919 \| 2	1	1	116	4	0	2.06	.933
bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \| 2021–22 \| Florida Panthers \| NHL \| 32	19	9	3	1,740	81	2	2.79	.908 \| —	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2021–22 \| Charlotte Checkers \| AHL \| 11	7	4	0	611	30	2	2.95	.905 \| —	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \| 2022–23 \| Florida Panthers \| NHL \| 21	9	8	3	1,169	62	1	3.18	.901 \| —	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2022–23 \| Charlotte Checkers \| AHL \| 2	1	1	0	120	4	1	2.00	.918 \| —	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \| 2023–24 \| Charlotte Checkers \| AHL \| 45	25	14	5	2,584	104	5	2.41	.905 \| 2	1	1	128	4	0	1.87	.925
2024–25 \| Florida Panthers \| NHL \| 23	12	8	1	1,298	52	2	2.40	.907 \| —	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \| 2024–25 \| Chicago Blackhawks \| NHL \| 15	5	8	2	904	47	0	3.12	.896 \| —	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3"\|NHL totals ! 95 !! 49 !! 33 !! 9 !! 5,319 !! 250 !! 5 !! 2.83 !! .904 ! 2 !! 1 !! 1 !! 116 !! 4 !! 0 !! 2.06 !! .933

=International=

border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" ID="Table3" style="text-align:center; width:40em"
bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! Year ! Team ! Event ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff" \| ! GP !! W !! L !! T !! MIN !! GA !! SO !! GAA !! SV%
2019 \| United States \| U18 \| 6	5	1	0	357	9	1	1.51	.936
bgcolor="#f0f0f0" \| 2020 \| United States \| WJC \| 4	2	2	0	241	10	0	2.49	.913
2021 \| United States \| WJC \| 7	6	1	0	332	9	3	1.63	.940
bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3"\| Junior totals ! 17 !! 19 !! 5 !! 0 !! 930 !! 28 !! 4 !! 1.87 !! .930

Awards and honors

{| class="wikitable"

! Award

! Year

! colspan="3"|College

| Hockey East All-Rookie Team

| 2020

| Hockey East Second All-Star Team

| 2020

| Hockey East First All-Star Team

| 2021

| Hockey East Goaltending Champion

| 2021

| Hockey East Player of the Year

| 2021

| AHCA Division I All-American

| 2021

! colspan="3"| AHL

| Fred T. Hunt Memorial Award

| 2024

| {{cite web| url = https://charlottecheckers.com/articles/spencer-knight-wins-fred-t-hunt-award-for-sportsmanship,-determination-and-dedication-to-hockey | title = Spencer Knight wins Fred T. Hunt Award for Sportsmanship, determination and dedication to hockey | publisher = Charlotte Checkers | date = April 19, 2024 | accessdate = April 19, 2024}}

! colspan="3"| NHL

| Rookie of the Month

| April 2022

2024 Stanley Cup Champion