Trade completed between the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers: It's looking like a fleece

Chicago's decision to move Jones opened the door for Knight to become a cornerstone in net, and the young goaltender is taking full advantage of the opportunity. Knight's most recent performance came in a 3-0 win over the New York Rangers, where he made 21 saves for his second shutout of the season, demonstrating poise and consistency that the Blackhawks desperately needed after inconsistent results.

Knight, 23, has made himself a stabilizing force in Chicago's crease, holding a 10-6-5 record with a 2.50 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage through his latest outings, which stand out in a season where goaltending overall has dipped.

The shot-suppression he provides allows Chicago's young core to play with more confidence, and teammates have noticed it. Louis Crevier praised Knight's tranquil game, saying his calm presence and puck skills elevate the whole lineup. Matt Grzelcyk echoed that sentiment, calling Knight «great at playing the puck» and able to make timely saves under pressure.

After the trade, Knight deflected individual praise, insisting shutouts are a team stat and crediting his defense for their role in the Rangers' blanking. That selfless attitude is exactly what you want from a young goalie in a rebuild.

This season's highs for Knight aren't limited to one game. Earlier he backstopped Chicago to a 2-1 victory against the Los Angeles Kings with 26 saves, and even in a tough 6-0 loss to the Kings a couple nights later he still managed 26 stops in a hard-luck effort.

The context here is important. When the Blackhawks traded Jones to Florida, they also received a conditional first-round pick, a move that has given Chicago both present value in goal and future draft capital.

While Seth Jones has since become a Stanley Cup champion with the Panthers, Knight is carving out his own identity in Chicago. The trade is clearly trending in Chicago's favor, and if Knight keeps playing with this level of calmness and skill, he'll be a key piece of this team's future.