The Winnipeg Jets began the preseason with three goalies signed: Connor Hellebuyck, Eric Comrie, and Kaapo Kähkönen. With Hellebuyck as the plain starter, one thing of a “goalie battle” started between Comrie and Kähkönen to fill the coveted backup spot.
On Thursday, Oct. 10, all of it got here to an finish as Kähkönen was claimed by the Colorado Avalanche off of waivers. Let’s check out what occurred and the way Comrie re-claimed his previous place with the group.
Kähkönen Was Seemingly Successful the Goalie Battle
When it comes to statistics, Comrie and Kähkönen have been evenly matched going into this duel. Comrie has a profession save proportion (SV%) of .874 and a 24-26 file whereas Kähkönen has a profession SV% of .899 and a 46-67 file. Neither goaltender had nice stats final season, however that may very well be on account of the truth that they have been on bottom-of-the-standings groups (the Buffalo Sabres for Comrie and the San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils for Kähkönen).
For lots of followers, it appeared like Kähkönen had a slight edge over Comrie for the backup place. He began twice throughout the preseason compared to Comrie’s one and solely begin. His first recreation didn’t go as deliberate, letting in 5 objectives on 28 photographs, however his second recreation regarded a lot stronger. Throughout Comrie’s begin, he let in three objectives on 28 photographs, so their stats remained considerably related by the tip of the preseason. Based mostly on plenty of begins alone, it appeared like Kähkönen was the shoo-in for the backup.
Comrie Has Organizational Familiarity
It got here as a shock to lots of followers when Kähkönen ended up on waivers, however on the similar time, each goalies statistically appeared like good choices, and the Jets couldn’t maintain each. Comrie was drafted by the Jets in 2013, and the 2024-25 season might be his third stint with the group. He beforehand labored with the group’s goaltender coach, Wade Flaherty, and has been Hellebuyck’s backup goalie up to now as nicely, so consolation with the tandem can also have performed a task within the determination.
Not solely that, however Comrie is on a less expensive, longer contract than Kähkönen. Comrie is signed for 2 years at $825,000 whereas Kähkönen was solely signed for one yr at $1 million. If Comrie pans out as a strong backup, the group could have their goalie tandem set for 2 years on an affordable deal. The Jets even have a bit extra cap house to work with going ahead, which can show important if the group decides to lengthen any of their six pending unrestricted free brokers throughout the season.
That being stated, the Jets gave each goaltenders a good shake within the preseason, so clearly they noticed one thing they preferred extra in Comrie’s efficiency.
Jets Have Restricted Choices if Hellebuyck or Comrie Goes Down
Now that the Avalanche snagged Kähkönen, the Jets have fewer choices if Hellebuyck or Comrie will get damage. Thomas Milic, a 21-year-old, is about to be the beginning goaltender for the Manitoba Moose as he enters his second season {of professional} hockey. Domenic DiVincentiis, a 20-year-old, seems to be Milic’s backup this season, however that is solely his first season {of professional} hockey. Within the best-case state of affairs for the Jets, Kähkönen would have began the season with the Moose and been a simple call-up in an emergency whereas serving as a mentor for the younger goalies.
Associated: Winnipeg Jets Youth Poised for Massive Seasons with AHL Manitoba
Until the Jets get one other American Hockey League (AHL) goalie, it looks like Milic and DiVincentiis are going to separate begins with the Moose. Nevertheless, if one of many NHL goalies will get damage, the AHL tandem’s lack {of professional} expertise might pose issues for the Jets. Signing a veteran AHL goalie might probably alleviate a few of this stress. In any other case, the group must depend on their youth to carry down the fort with the Moose and hope Hellebuyck and Comrie keep wholesome.
Ultimate Phrase on Kähkönen & Comrie
Whether or not it got here all the way down to his contract, group familiarity, or in any other case, the Jets clearly see strengths in Comrie’s recreation that gave him the sting over Kähkönen. Whereas it will’ve been excellent to have each goaltenders within the group, Kähkönen’s skills will in the end be utilized elsewhere. It’ll be fascinating to see going ahead how the Jets handle their AHL goalies this season and whether or not they assume Milic wants a mentor. To not point out, now that Comrie is on a greater group than his earlier stints, maybe he’ll see an uptick in his private stats. Solely time will inform, however for now, Jets followers can anticipate to see a well-known goalie pairing this season.
