Eric Comrie Bio
Eric Comrie is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected by the Jets in the second round, 59th overall, of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, he has spent much of his professional career moving between the NHL and the American Hockey League (AHL). Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 175 pounds, Comrie is known for his athleticism, quick reflexes, and steady presence in the crease.
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Comrie moved with his family to Newport Beach, California, where he first developed his goaltending skills in a non-traditional hockey market. His combination of junior success, international medals, and perseverance through multiple organizations has shaped him into a dependable back-up and spot starter at the NHL level.
Early Life and Background
Eric Comrie was born on July 6, 1995, in Edmonton, Alberta. When he was nine years old, his family relocated to Newport Beach, California, where he was first exposed to organized hockey. The move placed him in a region not traditionally known for ice sports, but it gave him an early opportunity to train year-round and refine his technique away from the Canadian junior system.
He began playing competitive youth hockey with the LA Selects, a program that later became the LA Jr. Kings, in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League. As a young player, he represented the LA Selects at the 2008 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament, an experience that introduced him to high-level competition. He later played for the Selects U16 team during the 2010–11 season, where he posted a .940 save percentage and a 1.34 goals-against average over 19 games.
Comrie’s father, Bill Comrie, is the founder of The Brick, one of Canada’s largest furniture and electronics retailers. Eric is also the paternal half-brother of former NHL players Paul Comrie and Mike Comrie, a family connection that helped shape his understanding of the professional game from a young age.
Path to Hockey
Comrie entered the major junior pathway in 2010 when he was selected in the first round, 13th overall, by the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League (WHL) at the WHL Bantam Draft. He made his WHL debut on April 10, 2011, appearing in relief during a playoff game against the Spokane Chiefs. During his rookie 2011–12 season, he appeared in 31 games and posted a .900 save percentage, gaining valuable experience as a young goaltender.
In his second full WHL season, Comrie elevated his play before a hip injury cut his year short after 37 appearances. His strong performances that season caught the attention of NHL scouts, and he was ranked second among North American goaltenders by the NHL Central Scouting Service heading into the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He was selected 59th overall by the Winnipeg Jets, a moment that confirmed his status as one of Canada’s top young goaltending prospects.
On the international stage, Comrie represented Team Canada at the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, winning a gold medal. He later helped Canada capture another gold medal at the 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, further cementing his reputation as a reliable performer in high-pressure environments.
Eric Comrie Career
Early Career (2013–2017)
On December 24, 2013, the Winnipeg Jets signed Eric Comrie to a three-year entry-level contract. After completing his final season with the Tri-City Americans, in which he led the WHL with a .925 save percentage and was named to the WHL (West) Second All-Star Team, he joined the Jets’ AHL affiliate, the St. John’s IceCaps. He went winless in his first two professional appearances but returned the following year to post a 2–1–0 record in three games.
Comrie joined the AHL full-time for the 2015–16 season, the same year the IceCaps relocated and were renamed the Manitoba Moose. He recorded a 13–25–7 record in his first full professional campaign, and followed it with an 18–25–2 mark the next season. On April 5, 2017, he received his first NHL recall from the Jets, and the following night he made his NHL debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets, stopping 35 shots in a 5–4 victory.
Winnipeg Jets and Trade Period (2017–2019)
Following his NHL debut, Comrie spent significant time shuttling between Winnipeg and the Manitoba Moose as he worked to establish himself as a full-time NHL goaltender. On September 7, 2019, the Jets signed him to a two-year, $1.4 million contract extension, signaling their continued belief in his development. However, he was placed on waivers on September 30, 2019, and was claimed by the Arizona Coyotes the following day.
Although he began the 2019–20 season with the Coyotes, he did not appear in a game before being assigned to the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL for conditioning. On November 30, 2019, the Coyotes traded him to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Vili Saarijärvi. He made his first start of the season on December 10, 2019, allowing five goals on 30 shots in a loss to his former team, the Jets. He was later claimed off waivers by Winnipeg on December 19, 2019, returning to the organization.
Buffalo Sabres Era (2022–2024)
After another stint with the Jets organization, Comrie was placed on waivers prior to the delayed 2020–21 season and was claimed by the New Jersey Devils on January 12, 2021. He was reclaimed off waivers by Winnipeg on February 18, 2021. On July 13, 2022, Comrie signed a two-year, $3.6 million contract with the Buffalo Sabres as a free agent, marking his first multi-year deal as an unrestricted free agent.
During his time in Buffalo, Comrie served as a dependable backup and provided key appearances for the Sabres across two seasons. His experience and steady presence in the locker room made him a valuable part of the goaltending tandem during a transitional period for the franchise.
Winnipeg Jets Era (2024–Present)
Following the conclusion of his contract with the Sabres, Comrie returned to the Winnipeg Jets as a free agent, signing a two-year, $1.65 million contract on July 1, 2024. The deal marked his third stint with the organization that originally drafted him and reflected both sides’ familiarity with one another. The contract is set to run through the 2025–26 NHL season.
Comrie has continued to serve as a reliable backup option for the Jets, providing the team with depth and experience behind their starting goaltender. His familiarity with the organization’s systems and culture has made his return a smooth transition, and he remains a trusted presence in the dressing room.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most memorable moments of Comrie’s early career came on April 6, 2017, when he made 35 saves in a 5–4 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets in his NHL debut. He has also earned two gold medals representing Canada, first at the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and again at the 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. His repeated movement between the NHL and AHL, combined with multiple waiver claims, illustrates a career defined by resilience and persistence.
Eric Comrie Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Eric Comrie comes from a prominent hockey family. His father, Bill Comrie, is the founder of The Brick, one of Canada’s largest furniture and electronics retailers. Eric is the paternal half-brother of former NHL players Paul Comrie and Mike Comrie, giving him early and meaningful insight into the demands of professional hockey. His younger brother, Ty Comrie, played alongside him on the Tri-City Americans during the 2013–14 and 2014–15 WHL seasons.
Personal Life
Eric Comrie married his longtime girlfriend, Haley Hull, in July 2022. The couple welcomed their first daughter in November 2023. Comrie resides in Newport Beach, California, during the off-season, and continues to be recognized for his commitment to family life alongside his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Eric Comrie is in the second year of his two-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets. As an established veteran backup, his role is to provide reliable performances when called upon and to support the team’s goaltending group throughout the regular season. His familiarity with the Jets’ systems, combined with his postseason experience, makes him a stabilizing presence in the dressing room.
Throughout the 2024–25 campaign, Comrie has continued to deliver steady outings when given the opportunity, helping the Jets manage their goaltending workload across a demanding schedule. The team remains in playoff contention, and his ability to step in during back-to-back games or injury situations has been a valuable asset.
Looking ahead, Comrie’s contract is set to expire following the 2025–26 season, placing him in line for potential free agency. For now, his focus remains on contributing to the Jets’ pursuit of postseason success and maintaining the consistency that has defined his career.