Among the players returning this season is goaltender Spencer Knight, who spent the entirety of last season in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Charlotte Checkers. Though Knight was called up for the playoffs and the Stanley Cup Final, he did not see any ice time, which ultimately meant his name was not engraved on the Cup. According to Daily Faceoff, Knight is slated as the backup goaltender on the Panthers’ depth chart for the upcoming season. However, the Panthers also signed veteran goalie Chris Driedger to a one-year deal worth $795,000, signaling a cautious approach to Knight’s return to the NHL.

The team’s hesitation suggests uncertainty about whether Knight is ready to resume his NHL career at the level required.

Knight’s 2022-23 Contract and Struggles

Before the start of the 2022-23 season, Knight signed a three-year contract worth $4.5 million annually, with the expectation that he would eventually take over as the starting goaltender. Unfortunately, the plan hasn’t unfolded as hoped. During that season, Knight played in only 21 games before entering the NHL Players Assistance program in February 2023 due to struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

He ended that season with a 3.18 goals-against average (GAA), a .901 save percentage (SV%), nine wins, and one shutout. His career stats stand at a 2.98 GAA, a .906 SV%, 32 wins, and three shutouts.

The second season of his contract saw Knight spending time in the AHL, where he performed well, posting a 2.41 GAA, a .905 SV%, and five shutouts. The upcoming third year of his contract will be crucial in determining his future with the Panthers.

Knight’s Potential Despite Recent Setbacks

Despite recent challenges, Knight has shown glimpses of the talent that led the Panthers to select him in the first round five years ago. During the shortened 2020-21 season, he won all four of his first starts, including a victory in his playoff debut in Game 5 against the Lightning.

In the 2021-22 season, Knight recorded 19 wins in 27 starts and two shutouts. However, he also spent time in the AHL, where he played 11 games and secured seven wins. These flashes of brilliance have kept the Panthers invested in his potential.

Is Knight’s Time with the Panthers Running Out?

Given Knight’s limited NHL presence over the past two seasons, the signing of Driedger, and some goaltending prospects requesting trades, Knight’s future in South Florida is uncertain. This season could represent a final opportunity for him to prove himself as the Panthers’ long-term solution in goal.

While the front office and the Goaltending Excellence department remain hopeful, offering Knight a contract extension indicates they haven’t given up on him. However, if things don’t improve, they may have no choice but to move on. Nevertheless, if Knight can overcome his struggles and consistently showcase his talent, he could still be wearing a Panthers uniform by the sea