This morning the Florida Panthers announced their extension with their current backup between the pipes, Spencer Knight. Per TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the three-year contract is worth $4.5 million AAV and will keep Knight on the roster through the 2025-2026 season. Knight was originally selected by Florida in the first round (13th overall) in the 2019 NHL Draft.
Good morning!
We have agreed to terms with Spencer Knight on a three-year contract extension through the 2025-26 season.
📝 » https://t.co/nAf5ucTbuJ pic.twitter.com/mc146jq22C
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) September 27, 2022
Florida Panthers Spencer Knight Signs New Contract Extension
The 21-year-old is going into his third season with the Panthers. Knight saw an increase in workload this past season in Florida’s dominant 2021-2022 season. This past season, Knight had the start in 27 regular season games with 19 wins, a .908 save percentage, and 2.79 goals against average. Knight was also seen breaking franchise records in his rookie season with the Cats. Those 19 wins were the most wins by a rookie goalie in franchise history.
He recorded his first two NHL shutouts as one of the only rookie goaltenders in club history to post multiple shutouts in a season. With his first career shutout on March 18 at Anaheim, Knight became the youngest goaltender in franchise history to shut out an opponent. During his game on Nov. 18 vs. New Jersey he boasted 45 saves which were the most by a rookie in franchise history.
These are promising stats coming from the Darien, Connecticut native. Goaltending was the least of the Panther’s concerns now that they are looking to bounce back from their lacklustre postseason. However, it’s hard to deny that Spencer Knight is the future in net for the Panthers and those stats will need to be “just the beginning” for the young goaltender.
Panthers Look to the Future
The $4.5 million per year AAV is a solid indicator that Panthers General Manager, Bill Zito believes that Knight is their guy. In a statement to the media shortly after the signing, Bill Zito had this to say about Knight:
“Spencer is a phenomenal goaltender, as well as an exceptional athlete and person,” said Zito. “He has thrived in his professional career, dedicating himself to his training through his first two seasons with our organization. With this extension, we are excited about the present and future of Panthers goaltending.”
In Spencer Knight’s preseason debut, he finished the game with 19 saves on 20 shots (.950) in their 0-4 loss to the Nashville Predators.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
