The Winnipeg Jets are back in action tonight at 7 pm CT for their home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks. It was a great opening night for the Jets, who shocked the Oilers at their home opener, winning convincingly, 6-0. It’s not much of a surprise, but the Jets will be going back to the same lines that they used in their win on Wednesday night. You can check out the line pairings and learn more about tonight’s game HERE.

After an off day on Thursday, the Jets hit the ice this morning to get ready for tonight’s matchup against Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks. The news of the day for the Jets came via waivers, where they learned that the Colorado Avalanche have claimed goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen from the Jets. After starting the season with 3 goalies on the opening night roster, the Jets will now have Eric Comrie as their backup goalie for the season.

The move of placing Kahkonen on waivers yesterday came as a bit of a surprise to Jets fans. Going back to free agency this summer in July, Kahkonen appeared to be signed (as one of the few signings the Jets made) as their backup to Connor Hellebuyck. Eric Comrie would also be signed this off-season, and the Jets knew that going into training camp that there would be a real battle for the number 2 spot behind Connor Hellebuyck.

Fast forward to training camp, and it became rather clear that Comrie was closer than some might have thought to earning the backup role. After each round of roster cuts during training camp, Comrie stayed with the team, and ultimately the Jets began the season with 3 goalies. In the end, the Jets went with the goalie who has been with the team in the past, placing Kahkonen on waivers before being claimed this morning by the Colorado Avalanche.

The Jets AHL affliate, the Manitoba Moose, were hoping to gain an experienced NHL goalie for the season in Kahkonen. Instead, the Moose will be using a young goalie duo featuring 2nd year pro Thomas Milic and 1st year pro Domenic DiVincentiis.

Despite the somewhat surprising move, the Jets remain confident with their next 2 options behind Connor Hellebuyck. Eric Comrie is entering his 3rd stint with the Jets, after originally being drafted by the Jets in the 2nd round of the 2013 NHL draft. Last season, Comrie appeared in 10 games for the Sabres, posting a 2-7-0 record and a .874 save percentage. Much like Kahkonen, Comrie has played for some bad teams throughout his career, so the Jets must be confident in his overall abilities rather than some of his previous stats.

As for Milic, the 21-year old was drafted in the 5th round of the 2023 NHL draft. After making the leap to pro last season, Milic spent some time with the Norfolk Admirals in the ECHL before appearing in 33 games for the Manitoba Moose. Milic went 19-9-2 in those games and finished the season with an even save percentage of .900.

The Jets know what they have already with the 2-time Vezina winning goalie Connor Hellebuyck. However, with the departure of Kahkonen it will now be interesting to monitor the progress and abilities of the netminders behind him. Hellebuyck will start in goal again tonight, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Jets will give Comrie a start in one of their next 3 games, despite no backs to backs early in the season.

Make sure to tune into the Jets Nation Instagram Live 30 minutes before puck drop tonight, where Angus will be bringing you a pre game show. Following tonight’s game, stay tuned for a post game recap and instant reaction. Make sure to bring the noise tonight Jets fans!