5 Players Worth New Jersey Devils’ First-Round Pick In NHL Draft
By Nick Villano
Spencer Knight
This one might take a little explaining, but it could actually work out really well for everyone involved. The Florida Panthers took Spencer Knight in the middle of the first round in the 2020 NHL Draft. He’s been really good at the AHL level this season, but he has been bad at the NHL level to start. He has an .898 save percentage with the Panthers this season, which is why they sent him to Charlotte.
The Panthers are looking to win the Stanley Cup this season. They have a bunch of stars, and Sergei Bobrobsky is signed for four more seasons after this one. He’s been very good this season, posting a .920 save percentage. They lost Chris Drieger in the expansion draft. So, right now the Panthers are going with Jonas Johansson as the backup. He was the backup for Colorado to start the year, but he wasn’t very good. Then, he was sent to the Panthers.
The Panthers definitely don’t want to trade Knight. It’s not something they are even considering, but if the Devils give them a pick that’s more valuable than the one they spent to get him originally, then the Panthers will seriously consider it.
The Devils have major questions in net. Jonathan Bernier is out for the season after hip surgery. He may never be the same. Then, Mackenzie Blackwood is out with a heel injury, among other ailments. The Devils are currently going with a tandem of Jon Gillies and a too-young Nico Daws. They’d be willing to part with a first-round pick if it means a goalie as young as Knight who might be the answer.