Panthers make an interesting move in goal

The Florida Panthers have signed goaltender Spencer Knight to a three year contract extension worth $4.5 million per season.

The 21 year old goaltender had a stellar first season in the NHL last year, putting up 19 wins in 32 starts.

"Spencer is a phenomenal goaltender, as well as an exceptional athlete and person," said GM Bill Zito in a prepared statement on the team's website. "He has thrived in his professional career, dedicating himself to his training through his first two seasons with our organization. With this extension, we are excited about the present and future of Panthers goaltending."

With Knight signed at $4.5 million and veteran Sergei Bobrovsky signed to a whopping $10 million annual deal, the Panthers will have $14.5 million dedicated to the goaltending position starting next season. Oh... and future Hall of Famer Roberto Luongo is the team's goalie coach... talk about putting all your eggs in one basket.

In all seriousness though, the Panthers have put themselves in a tricky spot with this move. The obvious move is to trade Bobrovsky, but with four seasons and $40 million left on his monster seven year, $70 million contract, I don't see too many teams interested in his services at that price. If the Panthers were to eat up to half of his salary there may be some interest, but even $5 million per season for a 34 year old goalie for the next four seasons is a bit rich. Bobrovsky is a talented guy no doubt and certainly still has some game left in him, but for how long and at what cost? The fact of the matter is that the Panthers seriously hamstrung their salary cap situation by signing Bobrovsky to such a big deal back in 2019.

As for Knight, he's the heir apparent. After a stellar NCAA career with Boston College, he's on the fast track to become a star in the NHL. He'll likely split time with Bobrovsky this season, but it remains to be seen what happens when it becomes obvious that he needs more playing time. Do they simply sit Bobrovsky and his $10 million on the bench every night? Something's got to give...