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 Let’s check out what occurred and the way Comrie re-claimed his outdated place with the group.
Kähkönen Was Seemingly Profitable the Goalie Battle
By way of statistics, Comrie and Kähkönen had been evenly matched going into this duel. Comrie has a profession save proportion (SV%) of .874 and a 24-26 document whereas Kähkönen has a profession SV% of .899 and a 46-67 document. Neither goaltender had nice stats final season, however that may very well be resulting from the truth that they had 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 targets on 28 photographs, however his second recreation regarded a lot stronger. Throughout Comrie’s begin, he let in three targets on 28 photographs, so their stats remained considerably related by the top of the preseason. Based mostly on a variety 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 a whole lot 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 will probably 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 previously as properly, so consolation with the tandem may additionally have performed a job within the choice.
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 12 months at $1 million. If Comrie pans out as a strong backup, the group can have their goalie tandem set for 2 years on an inexpensive deal. The Jets even have a bit extra cap area to work with going ahead, which can show important if the group decides to increase 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 appreciated 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 harm. Thomas Milic, a 21-year-old, is ready 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 situation 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 harm, the AHL tandem’s lack {of professional} expertise may pose issues for the Jets. Signing a veteran AHL goalie may presumably alleviate a few of this stress. In any other case, the group should depend on their youth to carry down the fort with the Moose and hope Hellebuyck and Comrie keep wholesome.
Last 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 could’ve been ultimate to have each goaltenders within the group, Kähkönen’s skills will in the end be utilized elsewhere. It’ll be attention-grabbing 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 count on to see a well-recognized goalie pairing this season.