Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) – The Winnipeg Jets were hoping to have Eric Comrie back as their backup goalie to Connor Hellebuyck this offseason.
Last season was the first year that Comrie played more than three games in an NHL season, hopping in the crease for 19 games. The first-year backup went 10-5-1 with a 2.58 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage. Had he just played 90 more minutes, he would’ve been a restricted free agent and, likely, stayed in Winnipeg.
However, given he was an unrestricted free agent, he tried to take advantage of his situation.
“I loved my time in Winnipeg. I loved every single second being there. But they have an NHL goalie there that’s really established. He’s a top-three goalie in the NHL," Comrie said during his introductory Zoom call on Monday. "Now going to Buffalo, I feel I can earn some more starts. That was a big reason why I chose the Sabres.”
When free agency opens, things move at a lightning pace as teams vie for players. Comrie says the fact that Craig Anderson was going to be here with him, it helped sway his decision in the Buffalo Sabres' favor.
“I heard such amazing things about him and how great he would be, and how much knowledge he brings to the game. It was a huge turning point for myself,” he said.
Many were surprised at the way the Jets handled Comrie’s situation. They claimed they wanted him back, but they didn’t play him those final 90 minutes to make it happen. Comrie doesn’t blame them.
“In the situation we were in, it was different because we were a team really fighting to make a playoff spot," Comrie said. "I mean, yes, it looked like a tough situation for us to make the playoffs at the time, but I knew that our coach (Dave Lowry) was a newer coach and he was trying to keep his job. So he was going to play his guy. I don’t know if I was in his situation if I would’ve done anything differently, and maybe it worked out for the best because I’m very happy to be a Sabre now.”
Winnipeg ended up missing the playoffs by eight points.
In the 2020-21 season, Comrie played one game for the New Jersey Devils, and it happened to be in Buffalo. He ended up earning the win, beating the Sabres, 5-3.
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“That was a bit of a strange year with no fans, and the whole year was kind of strange," Comrie admitted. "I was just happy to be playing hockey and to have the opportunity to play games.”
That season between the NHL and the American Hockey League, Comrie only played five games. He says that’s why the game in Buffalo meant so much to him.
“I remember coming to the game and getting there and just saying, 'Wow, I finally got to play hockey this year,' because it had felt like forever since I had played because of the COVID delays,” Comrie said.
Comrie was watching goalies get traded, goalies re-signing, and then goalies signing with other teams. It was a whirlwind for him until he got one phone call.
“As soon as Buffalo called, we just knew that was the right fit,” Comrie said.
The 27-year-old spent a lot of time in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose after being taken in the second round of the 2013 NHL Draft. He spent a lot of time having to wait his turn.
“There’s been a lot of times when it's been tough to continue to do it," Comrie admitted. "Hockey is what I truly love doing, because I love playing and I love practicing. I love being with the guys, and that’s what kept me going.
“It was definitely difficult, but I worked hard for the opportunity. It’s almost like even though it took a while, it’s almost better, because it gave me time to appreciate getting there.”
Last year, Buffalo beat the Jets in Winnipeg, 4-2, and then lost the game in Buffalo, 3-2 in a shootout. Comrie remembers how good he thought the Sabres were.
“Buffalo beat us last year in Winnipeg, and then we went to Buffalo and it was like, 'Holy smokes, this team is really good.' They should’ve beat us that last game, for sure," Comrie said. "I thought, 'Wow, this Buffalo team has a lot of potential,' and all I’ve heard since I signed is, ‘Wow, you’ve signed in an amazing spot. This team is really making the next step.' I heard nothing but amazing things about the head coach, so I’m really, really excited to be part of this organization.”
With Comrie and Anderson likely in Buffalo, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen could be slated to start his season with the Rochester Americans once again.
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