The Winnipeg Jets at meticulously crossing names off their list, and this time it is Eric Comrie’s turn. The restricted free agent goaltender has signed a one-year two-way contract worth $650K in the NHL. Comrie was one of two unsigned RFAs alongside Josh Morrissey, who is next on the list for the Jets this offseason.
Comrie, 23, will be battling Laurent Brossoit in training camp for the right to back up Connor Hellebuyck this season after another solid year in the AHL. Selected in the second round five years ago, Comrie has developed nicely in the minor leagues and has a legitimate shot at a long NHL career. While he might not have a future starting in Winnipeg, there’s no reason to think he couldn’t do an adequate job playing 20-25 games this season and allowing Hellebuyck—who led the NHL with 67 regular season appearances in 2017-18—to remain fresher for the eventual playoff run. Comrie recorded an .872 save percentage in three games with the Jets last season, but had a .916 in the AHL forming one of the best tandems in the minor leagues alongside Michael Hutchinson.
The biggest thing standing in his way is the fact that he is still waiver-exempt, meaning unless he seriously outplays Brossoit in camp he’ll likely start in the minors once again. Brossoit is also on a one-way contract for this season, though the $650K cap hit would not count towards the Jets salary cap if he cleared waivers and was assigned to the minor leagues. At worst, Comrie will be handling the starting duties for the Manitoba Moose and will be ready for a call-up if necessary. He’ll still be a restricted free agent at the end of this deal.