The Chicago Blackhawks locker room has been through the wringer during the 2024-25 NHL season. Amid a turbulent campaign, Connor Bedard and his teammates have endured highs and lowsâmostly the latterâall year. Change continues to unfold in the Windy City, as interim head coach Anders Sorensen made a crucial announcement regarding the teamâs goalie rotation moving forward.
The Blackhawks recently welcomed goaltender Spencer Knight to the organization, as the 23-year-old goaltender arrived in exchange for defenseman Seth Jones. The hope in Chicago is Knight can become the franchiseâs starting netminder for the future, helping Bedard and the young core become a contender in the NHL.
Knight had a stellar performance during his debut at United Center, stopping 41 of 42 shots as the Blackhawks defeated the L.A. Kings by a score of 5-1. Sorensen gave Knight a rest during Chicagoâs home game versus Ottawa, with Arvid Söderblom manning the crease.
Although Bedard and Chicago ultimately lost 4-3 in overtime, due to a controversial goal by Tim Stutzle, Sorensen was pleased with the goaltenderâs performance, announcing a pivotal decision about the goaltending rotation.
Spencer Knight #30 of the Chicago Blackhawks waves as he is acknowledged after the game against the Los Angeles Kings at the United Center on March 03, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
âThe Blackhawks are going to use a two-man goalie rotation of Knight and Söderblom moving forward, Sorensen said. [Petr] Mrazek is not going to be part of it,â Chicago Sun-Times reporter Ben Pope stated on his X account.
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âItâs tough when you have three, [so] you have to find some type of rotation,â Sorensen said. âYou canât play three goalies. Weâre going to go with [Knight and Söderblom] right now. Things can change, but those are the two guys.â
Tough business
33-year-old Mrazek has been in Chicago since the 2022-23 season, after being traded by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Expected to be the teamâs starter, Mrazek didnât post great numbers during his time in Chi-Town, though the team around him shares the blame for his subpar stats.
After Knightâs arrival, Sorensen and the Hawks faced a strange situation, having three goalies on the roster. Now, the interim head coach has confirmed Mrazek wonât be taken into account, at least at the moment, and the goaltender may leave the organization as the NHL trade deadline approaches.
Connor Bedard speaks to the media after being selected by the Chicago Blackhawks with the first overall pick during round one of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena on June 28, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.
With an uncertain future ahead, Mrazek had little to say, stating only, âWeâll see,â about the direction of his career. However, the goaltender spoke with GM Kyle Davidson and made it clear there is no bad blood between him and the organization.
