As the Chicago Blackhawks gear up for the 2025-26 NHL season, all eyes are on their newest goaltender, Spencer Knight, whose arrival has already begun to spark hope and curiosity throughout the organization.

With a fresh perspective and a winning pedigree, Knight isn’t just talking about improvement—he’s pointing to an unexpected source of inspiration: the Montreal Canadiens.

The Canadiens’ dramatic surge from underdogs to playoff contenders last year has clearly left an impression, and Knight believes the Blackhawks could be next in line for a similar transformation.

But what does Knight see in Montreal’s journey that could apply to Chicago’s future? And how does he plan to rally his teammates—including rising star Connor Bedard—toward a shared vision of success?

As the team navigates coaching changes and adjusts to new leadership, Knight’s optimism and determination stand out, hinting at a deeper strategy that goes beyond mere words. Is this the beginning of a new era for the Blackhawks, or just another hopeful season?

With Knight’s bold statements and unwavering confidence, fans are left wondering what surprises and challenges lie ahead—and whether Chicago can truly follow in Montreal’s footsteps.

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight

Photo credit: NHL.com

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight has big plans ahead for the team, as he cites the Montreal Canadiens as a team to model in the NHL, with a successful run to the playoffs following a rebuild.

The Chicago Blackhawks finished last season 25-46-11 under Head Coach Anders Sorensen, who took over midway through the year.

With Luke Richardson’s exit and Sorensen taking a step back as an assistant, goalie Spencer Knight enters the 2025-26 season with fresh eyes as someone who’s new to the Blackhawks group.

But his optimism is infectious, as he feels that the Blackhawks can aspire to more in the NHL, specifically in reference to the Montreal Canadiens, who were underdogs this past season and made it to the playoffs.

«I’ve got everyone else’s back, I know they have mine, and we’re going to drive this in the right direction and get to a point where [we can say], ‘OK, we’re in this.’ Once you see this team take off, things turn around fast. You saw that with Montreal last year.»

The Blackhawks’ Organizational Goals in 2025 revealed by Spencer Knight

The Canadiens, led by Martin St. Louis improved unexpectedly, and Knight feels that Bedard and his teammates should take notice:

«What I’m really excited for this year is for us to become better hockey players and become a better team. We’re going to battle each other,» Knight admitted, in dialogue with the Chicago Sun-Times.

Knight is familiar with winning, as he’s been part of a Florida Panthers team that has won two Stanley Cups recently.

Knight is now the Blackhawks’ goalie of the future, instead of Florida’s, as Sergei Bobrovsky’s reign continues in 2025.

Knight has grown accustomed to the bleak weather in Chicago, compared to the sunny rays of Florida.

The initial shock has worn off, and now his head is in the game and ready to put the Blackhawks on his back to help push them to the next step in the NHL.

For the Blackhawks, this will require buy-in from other players, including Bedard, who put up 67 points last season.

Can he do better?

It’s Knights’ crease to lose, and given how good of a performance we’ve seen him put on this past season, we should see him play consistent, meaningful hockey as the team’s true #1 goalie.

For the Blackhawks to emulate the Habs, a lot will have to go right in 2025.