Eric Comrie Earns Backup Spot in Winnipeg Jets’ Crease – Hockey Writers – Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets started the preseason with the signing of three goaltenders: Connor Hellebuyck, Eric Comrie, and Kaapo Kähkönen. With Hellebuyck the obvious starter, something of a “goalie battle” began between Comrie and Kähkönen to fill the backup spot.
On Thursday, October 10, it all came to an end as Kähkönen was claimed by the Colorado Avalanche on waivers. Let’s take a look at what happened and how Comrie regained his old position in the team.
Kähkönen Seemed To Win The Goal Battle
Statistically, Comrie and Kähkönen were evenly matched heading into this duel. Comrie has a career save percentage (SV%) of .874 and a 24-26 record while Kähkönen has a career SV% of .899 and a 46-67 record. Neither goaltender had good stats last season, but that may have been because they were on lower-level teams (Buffalo Sabers for Comrie and San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils for Kähkönen).
To many fans, it appeared that Kähkönen had a slight edge over Comrie in the backup position. He made two starts during the preseason compared to Comrie and only the first. His first game didn’t go as planned, he gave up five goals on 28 shots, but his second game looked much stronger. When Comrie started, he scored three goals on 28 shots, so their stats remained somewhat similar at the end of pre-season. Based on only a few starts, it appeared that Kähkönen was the right fit for the backup.
Comrie Has Organizational Experience
It was a surprise to many fans when Kähkönen ended up being waived, but at the same time, both players seemed to be good options, and the Jets were unable to keep both. Comrie was drafted by the Jets in 2013, and the 2024-25 season will be his third stint with the organization. He previously worked with the team’s goaltending coach, Wade Flaherty, and has been Hellebuyck’s goaltender in the past, so comfort with the tandem may have played a role in the decision.
Not only that, but Comrie is on a cheaper, longer contract than Kähkönen. Comrie was signed for two years at $825,000 while Kähkönen was signed for only one year at $1 million. If Comrie forms a solid backup, the team will have their goaltending tandem for two years on a cheap deal. The Jets also have more cap space moving forward, which could prove important if the team decides to extend any of the six pending unrestricted free agents during the offseason.
That said, the Jets gave both goaltenders a chance in the preseason, so it’s clear they saw something they really liked in Comrie’s play.
Jets Have Limited Options If Hellebuyck or Comrie Go Down
Now that the Avalanche have landed Kähkönen, the Jets have a few options if Hellebuyck or Comrie get hurt. Thomas Milic, 21 years old, is set to become the starting goaltender for the Manitoba Moose as he enters his second season of professional hockey. Domenic DiVincentiis, 20 years old, appears to be Milic’s backup this season, but this is his first season of professional hockey. In the Jets’ best-case scenario, Kähkönen would start the season with Moose and be an easy emergency call-up while serving as a mentor to young hitters.
Related: Winnipeg Jets Youth Poised for Big Seasons in AHL Manitoba
Unless the Jets find another American Hockey League (AHL) goaltender, it appears that Milic and DiVincentiis will part ways first with Moose. However, if one of the NHL goaltenders gets injured, the inexperience of the AHL tandem could cause problems for the Jets. Signing a veteran AHL goaltender could alleviate some of that stress. If not, the team will have to rely on its youth to hold down the fort with Moose and hope Hellebuyck and Comrie stay healthy.
The Last Word on Kähkönen & Comrie
Whether it came from his contract, team familiarity, or something else, the Jets clearly see the potential in Comrie’s game that pushed him past Kähkönen. While it would be nice to have both scorers in the club, Kähkönen’s talents will ultimately be used elsewhere. It will be interesting to see going forward how the Jets manage their AHL goaltending this season and whether they think Mic needs a mentor. Not to mention, with Comrie in a better team than his previous time, he will probably see an uptick in his personal stats. Only time will tell, but for now, Jets fans can expect to see a pair of regular goaltenders this season.
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