UTICA — One of Sven Baertschi’s first activities after joining the Utica Comets involved bowling shoes.

With the Comets looking to build some early season chemistry away from the rink Monday, players and staff took to Vista Lanes in Yorkville for a few friendly games.

The offensively talented 27-year-old Swiss winger enjoyed the opportunity to join the Comets after he was assigned last week and cleared through immigration paperwork.

“We had some fun,” said Baertschi, who admitted Tuesday he reached the 140s in one game but didn’t do so well in another. “I really enjoyed catching up with some of my old teammates from here. We had a great time. It is important to begin the season with a tight group and one that knows each other well. Team bonding at this time is obviously important.”

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The Comets — coming off a season-opening win over Binghamton — hope Baertschi can be another quality addition, however long the talented veteran forward with NHL experience might remain with the team. Baertschi's previous experience here includes helping the Comets to the Calder Cup finals in the 2015 along with current forwards Carter Bancks and Wacey Hamilton.

This season, Utica’s roster features a skilled and hardworking group that appears positioned to have success in a tough North Division. There’s a blend of young and experience at each position. That’s most apparent among the forwards, who have speed and the ability to create offense.

“He’s a skilled forward and makes some pretty high-end plays,” Comets coach Trent Cull said. “So, I’m sure that will be what we see here as well. ... I’m getting to know him, and I don’t have a past experience with him, but I’m looking forward to having him in the lineup.”

Baertschi’s return to the Comets is somewhat unexpected. He’s been limited by injuries — including at least one reported concussion — in recent years and played 26 games with Vancouver last season. The Canucks believe he can regain his game with the Comets. Baertschi, who said he feels healthy, noted the game’s speed and the desire to get faster.

“I just have to grind this out. I’m going to make the most of it. I know the coaching staff is supportive and want to get me up (to the NHL) as quickly as possible,” said Baertschi, who is set to make more than $3 million while playing in the AHL according to capfriendly.com. “I’m just trying to put in work and make myself a better player. But, I enjoy playing hockey. No matter where I’m at, I just want to go out there and play. At the end of the day, for me, it is to get back to NHL as quick as possible.”

Baertschi acknowledged he wants to be a good example for the team’s younger players.

“I think this is a great group guys of here," Baertschi said.

Baertschi and Goldobin in the house Tuesday.pic.twitter.com/ZSe3T4rwDf

— Ben Birnell (@OD_Birnell)October 8, 2019

The arrival of Baertschi and Russian forward Nikolay Goldobin — who participated in a team skills session Tuesday — means the Comets have eight players that fall under the AHL’s veteran rules. Baertschi is one of six forwards on the roster considered a veteran based on the number of games played in the AHL, NHL and European elite leagues. Goldobin is veteran exempt along with Justin Bailey. That’s notable because the limit of combined veterans and veteran exempt players that can dress in each game is six. So, the Comets could play four veterans, if Goldobin and Bailey are in the lineup.

“We’ll deal with it the best we can,” Cull said. “We try to treat everyone as respectful as we can. From our past experience, (we) ... try to be upfront and honest with everybody.

“We’ll see with injuries and how that goes. I’m not going to go into a big homework process and all to get it thrown out the window with one callup or one injury. It will be something we measure day-to-day. Whatever we feel is best for the team will be the decision.”

Roll call

Tyler Graovac (leg) is day-to-day after leaving Saturday’s game following a battle along the boards.

“He’s seeing some doctors and getting some tests done,” Cull said. “So, hopefully we’ll know more about his lower-body injury.”

Forward Francis Perron (lower-body) remains day-to-day. He will try to practice Wednesday, and the team will go from there, Cull said.