Florida Panthers Trade Spencer Knight, Acquire Vitek Vanecek in NHL Goalie Shuffle

The defending Stanley Cup champions bolster goaltending depth after trading Knight for defenseman Seth Jones.

The Florida Panthers traded goaltender Spencer Knight and a 2026 first-round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks for defenseman Seth Jones and a 2026 fourth-round pick.
Knight, who had a .907 save percentage this season, expressed surprise at the trade but said he is ready to move forward with his new team.
To address depth in goal, the Panthers acquired Vitek Vanecek from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for forward Patrick Giles.
Vanecek, 29, has struggled this season with a .882 save percentage and a 3-10-3 record in 18 games but brings experience from stints with three NHL teams.
The Sharks gain a young forward in Giles, who has primarily played in the AHL this season, as they continue to build around their emerging core.