Buffalo Sabres: Breaking down Eric Comrie’s strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

It should go without saying that most NHL players display a passion and necessary work ethic for the game, but Comrie takes it to another level. When you have the type of career he has had, including bouncing around between four different teams within an 18-month span, it will take a toll on any NHL player.

And Comrie is no different. Here is what he had to say:

"“There’s been a lot of times where it was tough, when it was tough to continue doing it, but hockey’s something I truly love doing and I love the game of hockey. I love playing, I love practicing. I love being there with the guys, I love skating and love working out. It’s what I like to do. … That’s just what kept me going, kept me driving. – via Buffalo Hockey Beat."

Comrie also proved that, with stability as a high-end backup goaltender in the NHL, that he can play a steady game. His 10-5-1 record shows his cool hand, and his 2.58 GAA and 0.920 save percentage further solidify the fact that he is, at the absolute worst, a solid backup.

And speaking of those gaudy numbers despite the small sample size, Comrie ranked sixth in save percentage when you pit him against goaltenders who started 19 games last season. However, his even strength save percentage, 0.938, paced that group which included former Colorado Avalanche goaltender, Darcy Kuemper.

Comrie is also coachable, which may catapult him to the next level. He loved working with Connor Hellebuyck in Winnipeg, and he cannot wait to work with Anderson in Buffalo. Here is what Comrie had to say about Anderson:

"“I’ve heard such amazing things about him and how great a human being he is, how a great person he is. Just how much knowledge he brings to the game and how much he understands and helps different players to grow their game and get better was a huge turning point for myself. So many people speak so highly of him.” – via The Buffalo News."

Comrie, since he had the unfortunate experience of bouncing around the league, may also come to the Buffalo Sabres with a rather large chip on his shoulder. He knows how well he can perform in the NHL given his numbers from last season. And the fact so many teams gave up on him is something that will light a fire in Comrie every time he steps onto the ice.