The NHL trade window saw some of the big names switching their allegiances. From Brad Marchand to Nico Sturm, the NHL fans saw it all amid an eventful few days in the hockey world. However, there was another big name to have caught the eyes of the fans with his move. It was none other than Spencer Knight, who was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks from the Panthers. Another player involved in this deal was Seth Jones, who moved to the Panthers. Days after making a stunning revelation on this trade, Spencer Knight proved his coach right with an amazing debut.

Although Knight didn’t have the best of starts, with his team conceding an early goal in the game against the Kings, he could have hardly done anything in that goal. However, what was interesting to see was the fact that he made a whopping 41 saves to ensure that the Kings didn’t find the net. It enabled his team to a 5-1 win, and Knight was at his absolute best in that contest.

His strong performance came amid reports that he wasn’t too happy about his move away from the Panthers. During an interview after his trade, Knight said, “I didn’t really have any words. But you talk to people close to you, you move on and you keep moving forward. But I’m lucky to come to a great organization.”

All’s well that ends well, it is often said and Knight’s glorious debut may have surely calmed the nerves, if there were any. Additionally, the Hawks’ goalie coach, Jimmy Waite was all praise for his new goaltender. He said, “What impresses me is his explosiveness to move side-to-side — and, after a save, how quick he is to react to a second shot. He gets really low and wide, and his edges are really good at pushing left and right.”

Despite a wonderful beginning with the Hawks, Knight did not see his move coming. As a result, he was taken by surprise with his trade to the Hawks.

Spencer Knight makes a candid revelation about his trade

The 23-year-old American goaltender is one of the most exciting prospects in the NHL. Statistically speaking, he ranks fourth in the league for goals against average, having a GAA of 2.35. Additionally, he also has an SV% of .912, putting him 10th on the chart in this regard. Despite giving his all for the Panthers, Knight was shocked to learn that he was traded to the Hawks.

As a result, he expressed his emotions after the trade, saying, “I was very surprised, but when you turn pro, you realize that’s always a possibility. I’ve seen it happen a few times, so I’ve always known that’s a possibility and that’s the world that we live in and choose to live in as professional hockey players. So, I’m just happy to be here. Historic franchise, Original Six, great city. So, I’m excited.”

The Hawks are placed at the bottom in the Central Division. With the Stanley Cup Playoffs chances diminishing, Knight would have to be at his absolute best in the goal if the Hawks are to keep their chances alive to progress through to the playoffs.