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That’s not as easy as it sounds. The Comets’ veterans still have NHL ambitions of their own and they’re being asked to help kids who might move ahead of them in the organization.

Michael Chaput, for example, has played 135 career games in the NHL and 68 with the Canucks last year. At 26, he has been the Comets’ best player though the first two games of this best-of-five playoff series but he didn’t seem especially eager to discuss his mentorship role.

“We’re in the playoffs,” he said. “That’s all I worry about.”

The Canucks, meanwhile, have other concerns. Dahlen arrived for the final two games of the regular season and dressed for the second straight playoff game on Wednesday. The organization and Canucks’ fans are excited about his presence in Utica. But he’s also taking the place of someone who’s been with the team most of the season and that can be awkward.

“We’re excited about the kids coming in,” said Comets’ head coach Trent Cull. “It’s your job here. You want to develop and win and they both go hand in hand.”

Cull was asked about Bancks.

“The way he conducts himself on and off the ice, he’s what you want in that role,” the coach answered.

Cole Cassels is another member of the Comets’ leadership group. At 22 he’s not old but this is also his third season with the Comets and he’s yet to break out of his role as a checking centre.

“We’re all trying to get (to the NHL) and everyone’s here to help each other,” he said. “(The younger players) can come in here and see how hard you have to work to get to the next level. They see the grind and how hard it is to get to the NHL. It can only help them.”

That, at least, is the plan. But as Bancks knows, things don’t always go according to plan.

“When you get to be my age you understand your job and how you can be the most valuable to the team,” he said.

The game, after all, has given him so much, like those memories which no one can take away from him.

Ewilles@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/willesonsports

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