Ben Birnellbbirnell@uticaod.com

TuesdayFeb11,2020at2:07PM

The Utica Comets are getting another NHL veteran on a conditioning stint.

On Tuesday, the Vancouver Canucks announced rugged winger Micheal Ferland is joining the Comets on a long-term injury conditioning loan.Vancouver General Manager Jim Benning had mentioned Ferland would join Utica last week, but the trip ended up getting pushed back.

For Ferland -- who has been dealing with reported post-concussion symptoms twice this season and has been out since Dec. 10 -- the loan means he can play three games or spend up to six days with the Comets under rules.

The Comets schedule aligns well with that timeline as the team plays visiting Laval on Wednesday before playing Friday at Syracuse and Sunday afternoon at Rochester.

Ferland -- who will wear No. 79 with the Comets, according to the team's website -- did not practice with the team on Tuesday.

Defenseman Oscar Fantenberg and Antoine Roussel each had brief conditioning stints with the Comets earlier this season.

Ferland, who has played 355 NHL games, signed a four-year $14 million free-agent deal on July 10 with the Canucks to help provide a physical element as well as playmaking abilities to the lineup. He's also played with Calgary and Carolina.

In 14 games this seasaon with the Canucks, Ferland has a goal and four assists.

Ferland's games with the Comets won't be the first time he's played in Utica. As a member of teams then located in Abbotsford and Adirondack, Ferland played a total of six AHL games in Utica. The last one in Utica was while with Adirondack on Jan. 10, 2015. In total, he's played 64 AHL games with 71 penalty minutes.

See the rest here:

Comets get Ferland on conditioning loan - Utica Observer Dispatch