:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65368989/1142824801.jpg.0.jpg)
It appears that things aren’t as locked in for the start of the regular season as the Arizona Coyotes would like. Earlier today it was announced that the Coyotes have claimed Eric Comrie after being waived by the Winnipeg Jets.
ARIZ claims Comrie
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 1, 2019
Originally drafted 59th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Comrie has spent most of the past four seasons in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose. In the past three seasons he has been limited to five career NHL games, and he currently has a 4.21 career goals against average and a .870 save percentage.
Comrie has faired much better in the AHL. Last season saw him finish with a 2.69 goals against average and .917 save percentage and the year prior he had a 2.58 goals against average and .916 save percentage.
For ARI fans: Comrie is a bit on the smaller side compared to the Kuempers and Hills of the world, but incredibly positionally sound. Think his creativity and mental confidence were biggest obstacles when he first went pro, but wonder if he won't help as practice goalie in NHL.
— Catherine Silverman (@catmsilverman) October 1, 2019
It’s tough to know exactly what this move means for Arizona. Both Darcy Kuemper and Antti Raanta have experienced minor injuries during the preseason and Raanta is still listed as day-to-day with a minor injury. The team may think that injury is going to be longer than they thought and they want to keep goaltender Adin Hill in Tucson so he can get as much game time as possible. Also, it should be said that at times during the preseason Raanta did look rusty, and the team may want to keep another goaltender around until he is ready for the regular season.