Ben Birnell

New Utica Comets General Manager Ryan Johnson considers it an exciting time.

Johnson, who added the front-office role to his duties this week, points to the recent flurry of activity in the organization and additions to the Comets coaching staff as reasons they're headed in the right direction.

Johnson, who has served in a player development role for the parent Vancouver Canucks since 2013, believes the slew of changes will also help the Comets be successful.

Its important for us with the environment that we have created and want to continue in Utica. Especially now, when were in a little bit of a you can call it whatever you want a rebuild, Johnson said Thursday from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Weve been stocking our shelves with prospects and trying to create competition in the organization, which weve done.

He will continue to work with Pat Conacher, who has served as the Comets director of hockey operations since 2013. Conachers team knowledge of the Comets as well as his keen eye on the ECHL are important.

It wont change much of the operations that have gone on the last couple of years, said Johnson, whose playing experience includes 710 NHL games, as well, with 181 AHL contests. I have so much respect for Pat and his experience. Its a relationship I really enjoy. Im excited to keep moving forward.

Johnsons focus will continue to be on player development, and much of his day-to-day work wont be that different as he travels to see other prospects. Last season, Johnson said he saw about half of the Comets games in person and watched others online.

I know this team extremely well, he said.

Hes also looking forward to working with the Utica coaching staff, which features new head coach Trent Cull along with also recently named associate coach Gary Agnew and Jason King, who is returning for his second season with Comets. All three are important pieces to the staff, Johnson said.

One thing we really valued with Trent was his experience in the (AHL), Johnson said. His experience was key, but also his attention to details, his organization and his focus on development throughout a season.

Johnson knows the Comets figure to have a different look from the team that finished just outside of the American Hockey Leagues postseason last season.

The organization has a logjam at both forward and defense after recent additions via free agency, trades and draft. Younger players like Jake Virtanen, Nikolay Goldobin and Joseph LaBate, who each played roles for the Comets last season, will likely get some consideration with the NHL club. Johnson is also encouraged by a young defensive group, which includes Jordan Subban and Evan McEneny.

Johnson said veteran forwards Carter Bancks, Wacey Hamilton, Darren Archibald and newly added defenseman Jaime Sifers will be among those leaned on for their experience on and off the ice. Johnson expects the Comets to see an increase in skilled players, which could lead to more production.

Weve got a lot of good young players in the organization. Some are going to compete for spots with Vancouver and some are going to end up in Utica to continue to the process of developing, said Johnson, who said discussions are ongoing about possibly adding more depth, especially at the ECHL level. When you create competition, then everybody gets better. You get better up top and they get better in Utica because there are going to be a lot of guys competing for ice time or looking for an opportunity to get up to Vancouver. We could have veteran guys who get pinched out in training camp.

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Ryan Johnson has eye on development with Utica Comets - Uticaod - Utica Observer Dispatch