Good News for Florida Panthers Fans Goaltending Worries as NHL Insider Drops Latest Trade Talks

There seems to be quite a flurry of trades happening, doesn’t it? Even for a devoted hockey enthusiast, it can be quite challenging to fully comprehend all the developments occurring in the NHL. The defending champions, Florida Panthers, find themselves once more in the spotlight. Do you recall their actions? The Panthers have made a significant move, trading their goaltender Spencer Knight along with a 2026 1st-round pick to acquire defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks, in addition to securing a 2026 4th-round pick.

The current season has seen them emerge as a formidable team, yet this trade has left many, including the goaltender, perplexed. What are his thoughts? Recall that Hawks beat reporter Ben Hope shared on X, “Spencer Knight on his reaction to the trade: ‘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.’ He said it was his choice to start tonight.”

It was clearly surprising to see the goaltender who clinched the Stanley Cup with the team last year getting traded. Knight boasted an impressive save percentage of .906 across the 80 games he has played for the Florida Panthers throughout his career. With his departure, concerns about goaltending began to mount among Panthers fans. However, it seems that hockey insider Elliotte Friedman could have some positive news for the franchise’s fans.

On X, he stated, “Hearing Florida and San Jose are discussing a Vitek Vanecek deal. Vanecek backed up last night to avoid injury. Panthers looked to add a goalie following the Spencer Knight trade.” Who exactly is Vitek Vanecek? This season marks his fifth campaign, following a trade last year from New Jersey to San Jose, which included a 7th-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft in exchange for Kaapo Kahkonen.

In his 18 appearances for the Sharks, he has recorded a save percentage of .882. The low save percentage, especially when compared with Knight’s .907 this season with the Panthers, could leave many fans scratching their heads over the trade.

Hearing Florida and San Jose are discussing a Vitek Vanecek deal.

Vanecek backed up last night to avoid injury. Panthers looked to add a goalie following the Spencer Knight trade.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 5, 2025

This is a developing report…

The post Good News for Florida Panthers Fans Goaltending Worries as NHL Insider Drops Latest Trade Talks appeared first on EssentiallySports.