Ben Birnell

Another forward from last season's Utica Comets team has moved on.

Forward Derek Hulak, who missed much of the 2016-17 season due to an injury, is one of five players signed to an American Hockey League contract with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Atlantic Division team announced Thursday.

Hulak, who had back-to-back 40-point seasons with Texas before joining Utica, was limited to 17 games with what then-Comets coach Travis Green called an upper-body injury. Hulak finished with four goals and an assist, but didn't play after Dec. 3.

Hulak, who remained with the team during his injury, was active in the community and earned the team's Man of the Year honor. After earning the honor late in the 2016-17 season, Hulak said he was hopeful he might return to the Comets' lineup, but did not.

The other players to sign with different teams since free agency began Saturday are the Comets' franchise leader in multiple offensive categories Alex Grenier and forward Curtis Valk. The forwards, who were among the Comets' top offensive players in combining for 91 points last season, both signed one-year contracts with the Florida Panthers.

Comets earn honor

The Comets' front office staff is among the AHL teams to be recognized for their work on the business side.

As part of the league's Team Business Services program, Utica was the Eastern Conference's recipient for outstanding fan experience at home games. Cleveland was recognized from the Western Conference.

The Comets have sold out 93 consecutive games at the Utica Memorial Auditorium dating back to the team's 2014-15 Calder Cup playoff run.

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Hulak signs with another AHL team - Utica Observer Dispatch