Michael William Comrie

Early life

Michael William Comrie was born on September 11, 1980, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The son of Bill Comrie, founder of The Brick furniture company, Mike grew up in a family where business and sports were both significant influences. He developed an early passion for ice hockey and played for the St. Albert minor hockey association before moving to the junior leagues.

In his younger years, he participated in the 1993 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament, representing a minor hockey team from Edmonton’s Whitemud area. Later, he was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft in the third round as the ninety-first pick, following his tenure at the University of Michigan. Before joining the Oilers, he played 37 matches in the Canadian Western Hockey League.

Career

Comrie departed from the WHL’s Kootenay Ice during the 2000–01 season to ink a three-year contract with the Oilers, potentially worth up to $10 million with bonuses. This deal exceeded the league’s typical maximum base salary for 2001 draftees, which was $1.13 million annually. Despite becoming a free agent after a unique stint of major junior hockey post-college (thanks to a Mike Van Ryn-established loophole), entry-level pay limits were still applicable to Comrie’s contract. However, his free-agent status enabled him to choose any team. In Edmonton, Comrie quickly rose to prominence, becoming a beloved figure. He showcased his offensive prowess in his initial years, accumulating 133 points over 192 matches between 2001 and 2003.

Following a less-than-stellar performance during training camp, Comrie’s reputation as Edmonton’s hometown hero began to wane, especially when he chose to hold out due to a contract disagreement for over 30 games in the 2003–04 season. Kevin Lowe, the Oilers’ General Manager at the time, was said to be considering a trade with the Anaheim Ducks involving Comrie for Corey Perry and a first-round draft pick. However, a condition of this potential trade was for Comrie to return $2.5 million to the Oilers, which he had earned as a bonus from his entry-level contract. This proposed deal did not materialize, leading to Comrie’s eventual trade to the Philadelphia Flyers in December 2003 in exchange for Jeff Woywitka, a 2004 first-round pick (Rob Schremp), and a 2005 third-round pick (Danny Syvret).

Philadelphia Flyers to Phoenix Coyotes Transition

After a brief 21-game stint with the Philadelphia Flyers, Comrie was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes, with the Flyers receiving Sean Burke, Branko Radivojevic, and the rights to Ben Eager in return.

In the wake of the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Comrie temporarily shifted to Färjestad BK in the Elitserien. However, he played just ten matches for them, departing in December 2004. With the NHL and NHLPA reaching an agreement in July 2005 to continue the hockey season, Comrie returned to the Coyotes for the 2005–06 season. He marked his return with an impressive 30-goal tally. Recognizing his contributions, the Coyotes renewed his contract for a year with a $3 million deal on August 4, 2006.

By January 3, 2007, Comrie’s journey took another turn when the Coyotes traded him to the Ottawa Senators, with Senators prospect Alexei Kaigorodov moving the other way.

Ottawa Senators and Transition to New York Islanders

While playing for the Ottawa Senators, Comrie’s fiery spirit was evident, as depicted in an on-ice clash with Brian Rafalski which required referees’ intervention. Comrie celebrated his first goal for the Senators against the Boston Bruins on January 9, 2007, at the Scotiabank Place, Ottawa. Each time he scored at this venue, “Black Gloves” by the Belgian group Goose echoed in the arena as his chosen goal song.

A testament to his determination, Comrie played through the playoffs with a shoulder injury, using local anesthetics to manage the pain — a condition so severe that it hindered him from bending over to tie his skates. His efforts contributed to the Senators’ journey to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they were eventually bested by the Anaheim Ducks with a 4-1 series score. Before this, the Senators notably overcame the Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils, and Buffalo Sabres, defeating each in just five games.

On July 5, 2007, the New York Islanders acquired Comrie, signing him to a $3.375 million one-year contract, as he entered the market as an unrestricted free agent. Not long after, before the trade cutoff on February 26, 2008, the Islanders extended Comrie’s contract for another year at $4 million. However, by February 20, 2009, Comrie found himself back with the Senators, this time traded alongside Chris Campoli. In return, the Islanders received Dean McAmmond and a 2009 first-round draft pick from the San Jose Sharks.

Return to Edmonton Oilers

In a nostalgic move, Mike Comrie returned to the Edmonton Oilers, the team where he began his NHL journey, by signing a one-year contract on September 10, 2009, for the 2009-10 season. While he previously donned the No. 89 jersey, he opted for No. 91 this time around, a nod to his draft rank, since No. 89 was already claimed by Sam Gagner.

In his comeback game during a pre-season match against the Florida Panthers on September 18, 2009, Comrie made a stellar impression. In a resounding 4-0 victory, he had a hand in every goal and even had a skirmish with the Panthers’ Eric Himelfarb. This performance earned him an enthusiastic ovation at Rexall Place, with fans chanting his name in appreciation.

However, Comrie’s season faced a setback. He was sidelined with mononucleosis in November, only to return in February 2010 against the Carolina Hurricanes, making an immediate impact with an assist in a 4-2 win. By season’s end, he had contributed 13 goals and 21 points over 43 games.

By July 1, 2010, Comrie entered the unrestricted free agent market as the Oilers decided against renewing his contract for the 2010-11 season.

His time with the Coyotes was particularly noteworthy, as he achieved career-high numbers in goals and assists. Unfortunately, his career was marred by injuries, and he retired from professional hockey in 2012 after hip surgery.

In total, Comrie played 589 regular-season games, scoring 168 goals and recording 197 assists.

Net Worth

Mike Comrie’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. His wealth stems not only from his career in the NHL but also from various business ventures and investments, thanks in part to his family’s background in the business world.

Achievement

Comrie’s achievements in hockey include:

Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament Participation (1993): Represented a minor hockey team from Edmonton's Whitemud area.

NHL Entry Draft Selection (1999): Selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the third round as the ninety-first pick.

30-Goal Seasons in NHL: Achieved two 30-goal seasons during his NHL career, demonstrating consistent offensive prowess.

Stanley Cup Finals (2007): Played a crucial role for the Ottawa Senators, who made it to the finals, though they were eventually defeated by the Anaheim Ducks.

Dedication Through Injury: Played through the playoffs with an injured shoulder, requiring local anesthetics for pain management.