Ryan Johnson had a key takeaway from his wrap-up meetings with Utica Comets players.

"It was how much fun they said they had coming to the rink and how much they valued the staff and their teammates," said Johnson, the Comets General Manager since July 2017. "The feeling was how excited they were to make a run at something (in the playoffs).

The high-scoring Comets had been in the thick of the North Division, sitting in third place with a 34-22-3-2 record after 61 games and trying to make a push for the playoffs when the American Hockey Leagues season was ultimately canceled due to concerns with the coronavirus pandemic.

"I dont have a ton of complaints about our team," Johnson said. "Right when things stopped (this season), I felt we were starting to become a very defensive-aware team. Although we were still finding ways to score goals, we were doing it the right way and not being riverboat gamblers every time. Thats what was exciting to me about heading into playoffs. They were really starting to become a complete team."

It is a similar feeling that has been shared by players and head coach Trent Cull since the season was halted. The group featured one of the more skilled and talented rosters in the Comets seven seasons.

There was growth throughout the roster, Johnson said. Dynamic wing Reid Boucher and rookie defenseman Brogan Rafferty each were AHL All-Star selections. The speedy Justin Bailey was also a key part of the group and his frequent linemate Kole Lind took notable steps in his second pro season, Johnson noted. Goaltending prospect Mike DiPietro who turned 21 years old Tuesday also helped give the team confidence, Johnson said. They are among the players being considered to join the parent Vancouver Canucks should the NHL resume this summer.

"The message from Day 1 with players and coaches was we want you all to get to a point where youve had your best year. We do that, and youll elevate to the next level," Johnson said. "I was proud of our players, they put in the work and they took the resources."

While the AHL is known for its amount of turnover, Johnson said there is a hope to have a similar roster of skill and talent when the Comets hit the ice for the 2020-21 season. Hed like to add some players "who play with pace and are a little bit hard to play against." A few Canucks prospects Marc Michaelis, Will Lockwood and Jett Woo among them could also join the Comets.

The AHL is in the process of determining what next season looks like as it navigates through the pandemic with different options being considered with regard to the schedule. The season could be pushed back from its usual October start.

Johnson said hes in "a holding pattern" when it comes to decisions regarding AHL contracts because of the variables and unknowns. The Comets had 13 players signed to AHL deals for the 2019-20 season and could have a similar number going forward.

"Ive got a group of players that I certainly want back and would like to have back," Johnson said. "All I can do is be up front and honest with players and wait and see how things trickle down from the NHL to the AHL level and how we have the ability to operate."

There have been reports veteran Carter Camper could sign in Europe, leaving the Comets without a key center from the season.

"Carter and I have talked a few times and Ive said, Im in a holding pattern here. But if theres opportunity or something you dont want to pass up ..." Johnson said. "It is not just Carter. Many players say Im not going to sit (and wait)."

Johnson said hes challenged some players on both AHL and NHL contracts to help continue what the Comets have next season.

"They have to be torchbearers of this culture that weve built there," he said.

Contact reporter Ben Birnell at 315-792-5032 or follow him on Twitter @OD_Birnell.

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Utica Comets GM Johnson proud of team - Utica Observer Dispatch