Chicago Blackhawks goaltending tandem builds foundation for rebuild

The Chicago Blackhawks have discovered an unlikely foundation for their rebuild in the crease. While Connor Bedard rightfully commands headlines as the franchise cornerstone, the goaltending tandem of Spencer Knight and Arvid Söderblom has emerged as the team’s steadiest strength through the early stages of the 2025-26 season. What began as a question mark in training camp has transformed into a potential elite duo, giving Chicago a competitive advantage that few rebuilding teams enjoy.

The partnership represents a perfect confluence of timing and talent. Knight arrived via a blockbuster trade with the Florida Panthers at the 2025 deadline, while Söderblom has methodically developed within the organization since 2021. Their complementary styles and shared mentality have produced immediate dividends, with Chicago ranking first in team save percentage (.922) and second in goals against per game (2.50) through the first 16 games of the campaign.

How Spencer Knight transformed the Blackhawks net

The acquisition of Spencer Knight from Florida marked a watershed moment for Chicago’s goaltending future. Sent to the Blackhawks along with an unprotected 2026 first-round pick in exchange for Seth Jones, Knight arrived with significant pedigree but limited opportunity as a starter. The 24-year-old former first-round pick had spent his Panthers career in a backup role behind Sergei Bobrovsky, leaving his true potential largely untapped.

That potential has exploded in Chicago. Knight has delivered Vezina-caliber numbers through his first 11 appearances, posting a 6-3-2 record with a 2.33 goals-against average and .926 save percentage. His one shutout barely tells the story of his dominance. According to MoneyPuck data, Knight leads all NHL goaltenders with 13.3 goals saved above expected and 2.22 wins above replacement. His .926 save percentage ranks second among netminders with at least six appearances.

The Blackhawks rewarded Knight’s immediate impact with a three-year, $17.5 million contract extension in September 2025, securing their crease through the 2027-28 season. The deal reflects both Chicago’s confidence in Knight’s ability and the organization’s commitment to building from the net out. His calm demeanor has become a defining characteristic of Chicago’s playing style.

“I say, it starts with the person, right? We have great people who are really caring,” Knight explained when asked about his partnership with Söderblom. “It’s fun to play with him because I think we both have similar mindsets in terms of a little more calm demeanor. So, I think that’s nice to have someone like that, right? I think we have a pretty similar approach to the game that way.”

Arvid Söderblom proving his worth as the perfect partner

While Knight captured the spotlight with dazzling saves and highlight-reel stops, Arvid Söderblom quietly established himself as one of the NHL’s most reliable backups. The 26-year-old Swedish netminder has appeared in just five games, but his impact extends beyond his ice time. Söderblom holds a 2-2-1 record with a 2.63 GAA and .913 save percentage, having surrendered more than three goals only once this season.

His defining moment came in Detroit on November 10, when he stopped a career-high 45 shots in a 5-1 victory over the Red Wings. The performance showcased the maturity and technical refinement that has defined Söderblom’s development. During the 2024-25 campaign, both he and Knight ranked among the top 30 goaltenders in high-danger save percentage, with Söderblom stopping over 80% of unblocked high-danger shots.

The Blackhawks recognized Söderblom’s growth by signing him to a two-year, $5.5 million contract in July 2025, avoiding arbitration and locking in his services through 2027. The $2.75 million annual cap hit represents tremendous value for a backup with starter potential. His journey from seventh-round pick in 2017 to reliable NHL goaltender exemplifies Chicago’s patient development approach.

“Yeah, I think so. It helps, for sure, if the goalies get along and can push each other,” Söderblom said when discussing their relationship. “Whoever is playing or whoever is not playing, we’re just pushing each other, and want the other guy to do well, because then the team plays good, and it’s easier for yourself to play good, as well. So, it all goes hand in hand if we’re supporting each other. I think that’s huge for a team.”

The importance of goaltender chemistry in today’s NHL

Modern NHL success demands more than individual brilliance between the pipes. The truly elite teams feature tandems that function as cohesive units, supporting each other through the rigors of an 82-game season. Seattle Kraken goaltending coach Steve Briere identified “seven habits of highly effective goalies” that include surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded people and demonstrating character beyond statistical contributions.

Knight and Söderblom embody these principles. Their friendship extends beyond the rink, creating an environment where both goalies feel comfortable sharing observations and offering support. This collaborative approach has permeated the entire locker room, with teammates expressing confidence in whoever starts on a given night.

Defenseman Alex Vlasic recently noted, “As a team right now, I think we believe in everybody, all the players. And obviously, our goalies, as well, have been so good. That’s a big reason why we feel confident as a team and why we’re winning a lot of these games.”

Head coach Jeff Blashill has consistently praised both netminders for allowing his young squad to learn through mistakes. After a recent stretch of solid play, Blashill stated, “They’ve been very good. You know, I’ve said this a lot. They’ve allowed us to kind of learn through mistakes as a young team. So, I think that’s certainly a credit to them, and I think we’re lucky to have both of them.”

What the numbers say about Chicago’s goaltending dominance

The statistical profile of Chicago’s goaltending tandem reveals their true impact on the team’s competitiveness. Despite facing the fifth-most shots on goal in the league (504), the duo has surrendered just 40 goals through 16 games. This disparity between shot volume and goals allowed underscores their exceptional performance.

Key metrics demonstrate their elite status:

• Team save percentage: .922 (1st in NHL)
• Goals against per game: 2.50 (2nd in NHL)
• Goals saved above expected: 17.8 (team total)
• High-danger save percentage: Knight 79%, Söderblom 80% (both top-30)
• Shots faced: 504 (5th-most in league)

The numbers become even more impressive considering Chicago’s defensive structure. Last season, the Blackhawks ranked near the bottom of the league in shot-blocking, with Knight and Söderblom both facing unimpeded looks on over 80% of shot attempts. Only 19-20% of attempts were blocked in front of them, ranking 64th and 65th respectively among goalies with 15-plus games.

This context magnifies their achievements. Chicago’s goaltenders have succeeded despite playing behind a team still developing its defensive systems. As the young roster matures and improves its structure, the goalies’ performance could elevate even further.

Future outlook for the Blackhawks crease

The stability of Knight and Söderblom provides Chicago with a rare luxury during a rebuild: certainty in net. While teams like Buffalo and Anaheim cycle through goaltenders hoping to find long-term solutions, the Blackhawks can focus resources on surrounding Bedard with complementary talent. Both netminders are signed through 2027, offering three-plus seasons of established crease management.

This security extends throughout the organization. In Rockford, Drew Commesso continues his steady development with a .922 save percentage in nine AHL appearances. Stanislav Berezhnoy has burst onto the scene with a .941 save percentage in his first three professional games. At the University of Minnesota Duluth, Adam Gajan leads the NCAA with 10 wins and a .925 save percentage.

The depth creates healthy competition while providing insurance against injury or regression. It also positions Chicago to potentially trade from a position of strength if Commesso or another prospect forces his way into NHL consideration. For now, the organization can take a patient approach, allowing its pipeline to mature naturally.

For Blackhawks fans tracking the team’s progress, this analysis of a recent overtime loss shows how Knight’s goaltending keeps Chicago competitive even in defeat. The team’s ability to push top opponents to the brink reflects the confidence emanating from their crease.

How the tandem impacts Chicago’s rebuild timeline

Rebuilding franchises typically treat goaltending as a secondary concern, often relying on journeymen or unproven prospects while accumulating draft capital. Chicago’s approach has inverted this conventional wisdom. By securing an elite tandem early in the process, GM Kyle Davidson has accelerated the timeline for competitiveness.

Goaltending represents the foundation upon which teams build playoff contenders. Look no further than recent champions: Vegas had Adin Hill and Logan Thompson, Colorado featured Darcy Kuemper and Pavel Francouz, and Tampa Bay built a dynasty on Andrei Vasilevskiy’s brilliance. Chicago now possesses a duo capable of stealing games while the skaters develop cohesion.

The presence of reliable goaltending allows young defenders like Alex Vlasic and Kevin Korchinski to play with confidence, knowing mistakes won’t automatically end up in their net. This freedom accelerates development and fosters aggressive, modern playing styles. For Bedard and the forward group, it means every game remains winnable, preserving morale through the inevitable growing pains of a rebuild.

What it means for the Bedard era

Three years into the Connor Bedard era, Chicago finally possesses the complete infrastructure required for sustained success. The franchise center has his goaltending counterpart in Spencer Knight, another former top prospect seeking to fulfill immense potential. The symmetry extends beyond draft status to shared pressure and expectation.

Bedard’s offensive brilliance demands a defensive foundation that can protect leads and limit opponent chances. Knight and Söderblom provide exactly that, with both goaltenders ranking among the league’s best in high-danger save percentage. This combination of elite scoring and stingy goaltending mirrors the formula that propelled Chicago to three championships between 2010 and 2015.

The difference this time lies in the tandem approach. While Corey Crawford shouldered the load almost exclusively during the dynasty years, the modern NHL demands two capable netminders. The reduced workload should keep both Knight and Söderblom fresher for potential playoff runs, while their internal competition pushes each to improve.

As Chicago prepares for upcoming matchups, our projected lineups and previews consistently show how the goaltending matchup favors the Blackhawks against most opponents. This tactical advantage provides a crucial edge as the team fights for playoff positioning.

The Chicago Blackhawks goaltending tandem of Spencer Knight and Arvid Söderblom has evolved from hopeful experiment to proven strength faster than anyone anticipated. Their individual excellence, combined with genuine partnership and organizational depth, provides the foundation for Chicago’s return to prominence. While Connor Bedard drives the offense, Knight and Söderblom ensure the team never lacks for a save. In today’s NHL, that combination might just prove unbeatable.