Knight getting 'back into the swing of things' at development camp

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. -Spencer Knight is getting back to doing what he loves.

Manning the crease for the Panthers in an official capacity for the first time since he entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in February, the gifted young goaltender has been enjoying "just getting back into the swing of things" at this week's development camp.

"I approach it like it's just a great opportunity to play hockey," Knight said after the third day of camp on Wednesday in Coral Springs. "Any opportunity to play hockey is a great opportunity."

When asked about getting back to normal, Knight smirked and said that actually being on the ice this early in the offseason is surprisingly the exact opposite of his usual summer routine.

"Honestly, I take a break regardless [of the situation] for a long period of time in the summer," the former first-round pick said. "I don't think I [usually] start skating until August. That's kind of the thing. I don't think it's an unusual thing for me to take a few months off from the skating aspect."

Prior to getting back on the ice with the Panthers, Knight said that he'd been doing off-ice workouts -- "not just sitting around at the beach all day," he joked -- in preparation for camp.

During his time away from the NHL, he also said that he adopted a new outlook.

"The one thing I've learned is that I've just got to be cool with whatever happens," Knight said. "I go here? Great. If you're there? Great. This happens? Great. That's the approach I have to have because I know the skill I have and I don't doubt that. The skill combined with my physical capability -- I think I have tremendous skill. I think I can be one of the best goalies in this league."

Over the course of his first three seasons with the Panthers, Knight, who only just turned 22 years old back in April, has certainly shown that he does have the potential to do just that.

A prodigy between the pipes, the Darien, Connecticut native backstopped Team USA to gold at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship. Shortly after, at just 20 years old, he led the Panthers to a playoff win against the eventual Stanley Cup champion Lightning in the 2021 playoffs.

With 57 career starts already under his belt, he's gone 32-17-6 with a .906 save percentage.

"Just stick to what you can do and just embrace whatever moment you're in," Knight said.

At the moment, Knight has also embraced a new role during camp.

Although he's one of the youngest players on the Panthers, he's actually kind of an elder statesman this week. Of the nearly 40 players at camp, he stands as the only one with NHL experience. And even though his career is only just getting started, other players look up to him.

"He's one of my idols," said goaltender Olof Glifford, who the Panthers selected in the fifth round (159th overall) in last month's draft. "I've been watching him for a couple years. It's super cool."

Humble as ever, Knight said he's enjoyed lending a hand where he can.

"Honestly, it's nice," he said. "For me, the way I put it is that if I just got drafted and there was a guy that was in my position, I'd hope he'd be able to reach out, help me out, give some pointers and talk about some things. I always talk to them and get to know them. They're all great guys."

While he was away from the Panthers, Knight said he did check in on the team.

Watching games, he appreciated fans still shouted "Knight!" during the national anthem to show their support.

"I think it speaks to the fans we have here," Knight said. "They are very passionate and they are very supportive. One thing I have noticed is taht every time you meet one of them outside the rink -- maybe after a game -- they are very respecutful. They may want a picture or an autograph, but they say please and thank you and are just great people."

Not looking too far ahead, Knight is currently focused on just enjoying the rest of camp.

"Honestly, I think I come in and it takes me a few skates to get my legs back, but it's good," he said. "No matter where you are and what camp you're in -- whether it's dev camp or main camp -- it doesn't really feel a whole lot different. It just feels like camp. There's good players everywhere. Regardless, this week is good."