Spencer Knight, G, 18
Goalies very rarely get taken in the first round, only three have been selected from 2012 onwards (Andrei Vasilevskiy, 19th in 2012, Ilya Samsonov, 22nd in 2015, Jake Oettinger, 26th in 2017), but Spencer Knight could buck that trend this year.
He’s arguably the best American goaltending prospect to emerge in years and he has all the tools required both physically and mentally to be able to morph into an elite NHL goalie one day.
It appears a lock that Knight will go in the first round, with some mock drafts having the 18-year-old as high as the No.12 pick.
However, if Knight is still on the board by the time it is Vegas’ turn to go on the clock, then the front office would be wise to select their future heir to the throne to Marc-Andre Fleury.
Prospect Profile
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 198 lb
Date of Birth: Apr 19, 2001
Position: Goalie
Born: America
Catches: Left
A product of the famous USNTDP program, Knight has given every indication that he has what it takes to become a franchise goalie in the NHL and, as we all know, you need an elite goaltender in order to be able to compete for championships.
Knight, at 6’3″, is built to be a modern-day NHL goalie and scouts have been impressed by his sheer athleticism, combined with the quickness of his glove.
His positioning is also impressive and, although still very young, he has very few blemishes on his copybook which will act as a huge source of encouragement for NHL General Managers.
Knight posted a 1.51 GAA and a .936 SV% in six games at this year’s U18 tournament in Sweden, while he put up a .913 save percentage for the U.S. National U18 Team and a .903 save percentage in the USHL.
He’s a once-in-a-decade netminding talent and, one more positive to consider here, he will have time to develop and hone his craft should he get selected by Vegas with Fleury signed through until 2022.
Plus, with a surname like his, Knight would be an absolute marketing dream for the Vegas Golden Knights.