Ben Birnell

Darren Archibald wants another crack at reaching the NHL.

After weighing his options this offseason, the veteran left wing believes returning to the Utica Comets for a fifth season gives him the best opportunity to reach that goal.

The 27-year-old Archibald turned in the best of his six professional seasons during a challenging campaign with the Comets in which he led the team in goals and points, added a role as a key penalty killer and was among the team leaders. The breakout performance helped earn him team MVP honors and cement his spot as a favorite among local hockey fans.

I just feel like Utica was the right fit for me, Archibald said Wednesday, a day after the Comets officially announced his one-year AHL deal. I still think theres a lot of opportunity in Vancouver for me, especially with (former Comets coach Travis Green) up there now. I want to come into camp strong and try to earn an NHL contract.

Archibald, who played 16 games with the parent Vancouver Canucks during the 2013-14 season, knows he has more work to do to get back to hockeys top level. The Canucks already have a crowded group at forward, which will likely create some competition in the fall and leaves a lot of question marks.

Archibald said hes been able to work on his upper-body strength this summer after battling through injuries in previous seasons. Hes also working on his quickness and speed in an effort to stay a step ahead.

I think the biggest thing for me is to stay focused and keep doing the same things and even more, said Archibald, who noted he talked to Green once while he was weighing his options. Theres no time to take the foot off the gas in this sport. You have to earn everything you get.

Archibald said he talked with Carter Bancks and Wacey Hamilton both also signed to AHL deals and looks forward to being part of the team's leadership with them. With the departure of Alex Grenier he and Curtis Valk will be missed, Archibald said and defenseman John Negrin currently a free agent, he knows he could be the only player returning that was part of the Comets roster the first season.

Ive basically called Utica home for the last four years, Archibald said. Ive enjoyed playing there and being the only one from the inaugural season is definitely a special thing.

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Darren Archibald: Utica Comets 'right fit for me' - Utica Observer Dispatch