The Athletic ranking leaves no doubt about Spencer Knight’s rise on Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks seem to have finally taken a much-needed step forward out of their rebuild. With Connor Bedard on the roster, the expectation was that Chicago would eventually get into playoff contention. Through 25 games, the Blackhawks have an 11-9-5 record for 27 points, just a point out of a playoff spot on Dec. 2.

A lot of credit can be given to the play they are receiving in net. Thus far, it seems like the Blackhawks have their goalie of the future in Spencer Knight. His play has caught the attention of everyone across the NHL. Knight and the Blackhawks have recently caught the attention of The Athletic.

The Athletic's Jesse Granger recently unveiled his goalie tandem rankings for the entire NHL. The Blackhawks received the No. 8 ranking on the list, with Granger praising Knight for essentially carrying Chicago's goalie situation.

"The start to the Spencer Knight era in Chicago couldn’t be going much better. The 24-year-old is second behind only Swayman with an impressive 20.22 goals saved above expected, and has stood on his head in most games for the Blackhawks. Perhaps the most impressive and encouraging thing for Chicago’s future has been how good Knight has looked in desperation situations when plays break down. Knight’s fundamentals and technique have always been exceptional, but he’s showing more improvisation this season.

"Arvid Söderblom has taken a small step back, but is still a talented young goalie. He has been inconsistent from game to game, but it’s Knight who is carrying the load on this ranking."

The Athletic ranks Blackhawks 8th best goalie tandem in NHL

Blackhawks fans absolutely love to read this, as they have their long-term answer for the first time since Corey Crawford.

At last season's trade deadline, the Blackhawks were looking to offload defenseman Seth Jones, who didn't pan out with the team. Chicago found a buyer in the Florida Panthers, who sent over Knight and a conditional first round pick in 2026. By moving on from Jones, the Blackhawks received a potential long-term answer in net.

In 15 games in Chicago for the final stretch of the 2024-25 season, Knight recorded a .893 save percentage, a 3.18 goals allowed average, and a 5-8-2 record.

The Blackhawks liked Knight enough to sign him to a three-year, $17.5 million contract extension. Thus far, the signing looks like a bargain, given the production he has had in net. Through 17 starts, Knight owns a .918 save percentage, a 2.51 goals allowed average, and a 8-5-4 record. And, as Granger notes, Knight has the second-best goals saved above expected with 20.22, only behind Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins.

Söderblom has been hot and cold this season, as Granger mentions. But Knight has been carrying the load. The hope is that Söderblom can get a bit more consistent and really help out Chicago for the rest of the season.

As of now, the trade for Knight at the trade deadline looks like a home run for the Blackhawks.