News and Analysis: Jets recall Eric Comrie

The Winnipeg Jets have announced the recall of goaltender Eric Comrie from the Manitoba Moose.

The call up gives Comrie, 21, a much-deserved reward after enduring yet another frustrating season with the Moose. Comrie’s goals against average (2.98) and his save percentage (.906) this season has lead many to become short sighted in understanding the young netminder’s potential. Comrie, the Jets second round pick in 2013, has been the Moose’s most consistent player throughout the year and while his numbers may not reflect such, it’s important to understand what Comrie has been working with.

Manitoba’s weak defensive efforts have hindered Comrie’s abilities as the Moose’s skaters have allowed 2175 shots this year, the most of any team in the leauge. Being at the bottom of the AHL standings and being pelted with an insane amount of shots night after night can be hard to swallow for a young up-and-coming goaltender.

“I think if anything he really cares,” said teammate J.C Lipon after a tough outing for Comrie on March 23rd. “He’s one of those guys that really cares and can be really hard on himself.”

There are plenty of reasons to be excited about Eric Comrie.

Comrie represented the WHL three times in the Jr Super Series along with capturing gold with team Canada at the 2015 world juniors. Along with his impressive junior career, Comrie was named to last year’s AHL all-star game, as a rookie.

When looking at Eric Comrie in the early stages of his pro career, don’t look too deep into his numbers, but rather, the impact he can have on a game.

Comrie will likely return to the Moose next season, but that should not discredit the purpose of this call-up. Enduring two straight seasons without meaningful hockey can be hard on a young goaltender trying to move his way up. By giving Comrie a little taste of NHL life, it provides Comrie with an idea of where he needs to be to get to the NHL level and a good learning experience heading into the offseason.

The same goes for prospects Jack Roslovic and Kyle Connor. Connor, who started the year out with the Jets, will get another shot with the big club after spending 49 games with the Manitoba Moose. It’ll be interesting to see if Connor’s game away from the puck has developed and if he can be efficient in his own zone at the NHL level. While in Roslovic’s case, it’s a matter of seeing what the Jets have in their top centre prospect. Roslovic has yet to suit up in an NHL game and these next two games will provide the Jets with a brief look at Roslovic before he arrives at training camp next fall.