Is Spencer Knight already an elite goaltender?

As the opening months of the NHL season carry on, one youngster is continuing to wow many around the league – and it isn’t Matthew Schaefer or Macklin Celebrini.

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight has been exceptional, and his ability to come up with big saves at the right time has kept the Blackhawks in the playoff race, even though we’re barely creeping into the holiday season.

In starting 15 of Chicago’s first 22 games, the 24-year-old has a record of 7-5-3, with a 2.38 goals-against average, a .924 SV% and one shutout. It’s easy to say that many would believe that the Hawks are an afterthought had it not been for Knight’s efforts in the early going of the season.

On Monday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton explain why Knight is quietly becoming one of the NHL’s best backstops.

Tyler Yaremchuk: Of all the goalies in the NHL who’ve played at least 10 games, and there are 36 of them, he’s the best save percentage in the league. Are we good to use the word elite when it comes to Spencer Knight now? 

Carter Hutton: I think we’ve been able to use the word elite for a lot of years. I look back to that series, Florida Panthers-Tampa Bay Lightning [in 2021], where he came in for the Florida Panthers, and he was really good in a few of those games. That was when Tampa Bay was just chewing up and spitting everybody out. What I love about Spencer Knight is how calm he is and compact. He takes away the bottom of the net so well, and he’s only 24 years old. This is still a youngster. He still has so much growth. What I did like the other night, though, I touched on it earlier, the Seattle Kraken game. They have a 2-0 lead, and they give up three in the third period and lose.

So, going into yesterday’s game, after a big loss, you go back to your starter and talk about answering the call. You’re playing the Colorado Avalanche. He gives up one goal, but he was so good in that game. I think that’s something where you see the maturity. Recognizing the situation, being good when you have to. I think he’s a name that USA hockey is really going to have a tough decision figuring out who their number three is for the Olympics.

You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…