Darren Archibald, LW
Shoots: L	Height: 6-3	Weight: 212
Born: 1990-02-09	Hometown Newmarket, ON	Drafted: Signed as Free Agent

 

 

 

 

 

Observations:

July 2017 – Archibald has signed a one-year pact with Utica of the AHL. While he isn't under contract with the Canucks, the 2016-17 Comets MVP brings added leadership, physicality and some scoring touch to what appears to be a deep forward squad for 2017-18. Cam Robinson

June 2017 – Archibald had a nice season for the Comets. Playing on an AHL-only contract, the 27-year-old power forward scored 23 goals and 47 points in 76 contests. The soon-to-be free agent will likely sign back on with Utica, but is unlikely to get any further NHL deals from the Canucks' organization. Cam Robinson

 

August 2016 – Archibald signed a one-year agreement with the AHL's Utica Comets. The pugnacious winger produced 10 goals and 19 points to go along with 96 penalty minutes during 50 AHL contests last season. Archibald saw time with the Canucks in 2014-15, but failed to receive the call last year. At 26-years-old, and without an NHL contract, it appears safe to assume that the Ontario native is unlikely to break into the NHL on a regular basis. – Cam Robinson

 

December 2015 – It appears Darren Archibald may have peaked in his role within the Canuck organization. Splitting time between Utica of the AHL and Kalamazoo of the ECHL this season, Archibald has suited up for only 9 games with the Comets posting two goals and three points, with a plus-four rating while playing largely in a fourth line role, Archibald is struggling to lock down a role at even the American League level. While he serves a valuable role that level with his defensive responsibility and significant size, his chances at an NHL call-up may be dwindling as he gets buried on the depth chart by more prominent young players and prospects. David MacDonald

 

Decembver 2015 – His fifth year toiling in the minors, Archibald surely thought he had escaped the hand of the ECHL but has found himself skating for the Kalamazoo Wings again earlier this year. He only scored a couple of goals in a half dozen games (0 PIMs) and has since been back with the Comets. In 10 games with Utica he also has a pair, to go with a single helper (8 PIMs). With the recent influx of young talent in the organization, Archibald's best best may be with another organization as a full-time AHLer. Mike Barrett

 

February 2014 – After spending a year establishing himself in the AHL, he has taken it another step. He has been a physical force all over the ice and shown his scoring touch. He currently has 11 goals and 9 assists in 36 games. He even earned a call-up to the Canucks where he handled himself fairly well. His Corsi numbers were better than all but one (Jeremy Welsh) of the Canucks forth liners this season. John Tortorella explicitly stated that he hopes Archibald takes someone's job for himself. Austin Wallace

 

June 2013 – Archibald has struggled with consistency throughout he career and this year was no different. After being sent to the ECHL during the lockout, scoring 13 points in 19 games, he came back up and proceeded to net six goals in his first 11 games. He then went on a dry spell before becoming part of a dominant line with Jordan Schroeder and Bill Sweatt during the Wolves' (failed) playoff push. In addition to getting top six team minutes later in the year, he was a fixture on the second powerplay unit. Most telling of all is that he was one of only three Canucks prospects playing against above average competition. He ended up with half a point per game. Darren Archibald is a power-forward with a nose to the net, fairly soft hands and a quality shot. Though his skating has improved, it still needs work. A spot on the fourth line is a distinct possibility next year and with his offensive skills, he has a fair chance to blossom as a power-forward and make an offensive impact in a couple of years. Austin Wallace

 

 

Fantasy Outlook: D-

Still has the potential to be a hit/PIM specialist, but unlikely to ever stick at the NHL level.

 

 

Footage:

Sedin-ian between the legs goal:

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