The parent Vancouver Canucks made a key trade Wednesday with the Ottawa Senators that has implications for the Utica Comets.

Perhaps the biggest news: Popular forward Darren Archibald, a longtime fan favorite often referred to as “The Mayor” by teammates and fans, had his time in Utica come to an end.

The 28-year-old Archibald, the Comets’ record holder in games played (305) and goals scored (75) – he also is second in points (144) – was sent to Ottawa along with goaltender Anders Nilsson and in exchange for goalie Mike McKenna, forward Tom Pyatt and a 2019 sixth-round draft pick.

“We’ve been talking about this for a while,” Canucks General Manager Jim Benning said on a conference call. “This is a deal for us that, I think, gives us flexibility and keeps our options open.”

Comets General Manager Ryan Johnson wasn’t available for comment Wednesday.

Another key development as part of the trade: Prized 23-year-old goaltending prospect Thatcher Demko — an AHL All-Star last season with Utica — will get an opportunity to showcase his skills in the NHL in the near future, the Canucks said.

Archibald, who spent time with Vancouver this season, has 11 goals and five assists in 23 games with Utica this season. The rugged Archibald has been a fan favorite in playing for Utica since 2013. His hard-working style had helped make him an all-situations player for the team.

″(Archibald) is a big voice, presence on ice against other teams,” Comets coach Trent Cull said Wednesday. “From my time here, he’s been nothing but a great guy to coach. He’s a good teammate and we’ll miss him. He’s one of those guys you always wish him the best. Right now in his career, this is probably a good thing to have a little bit of a fresh start.”

Pyatt – who has played 445 NHL games — will report to Utica after clearing waivers, the Canucks said. The veteran forward — who also plays a penalty kill role — has two assists in 37 games with Ottawa this season. Ottawa, meanwhile, said Archibald has been assigned to Belleville, the North Division rival of Utica. The AHL teams meet Jan. 19 in Utica.

Benning said McKenna will be Canucks backup through Thursday in Montreal. Then, Demko will be recalled, Benning said. McKenna will need to clear waivers to be assigned to Utica.

“One of the things that we wanted to do was make room for Thatcher and get him going,” Benning said. “He’s playing really well down there right now. We just felt like the foundation for his game is set.”

Demko has drawn praise from teammates and coaches this season as he regained his form following a long layoff from a concussion. Comets coach Trent Cull has continually called Demko “a calming influence.”

That was on display again Wednesday when Demko earned his 55th career regular-season win with the Comets on Wednesday with a 31-save effort as part of a 4-2 win over Syracuse.

“I grew up a lot in (Utica),” Demko said following the game. “There’s a lot of guys in this room that I can give credit to that helped me on and off the ice. There’s definitely a lot of special moments in this building with this group. You never know what the future is going to hold. If this is my last time in Utica, I’ve really enjoyed it annd appreciate it.”

McKenna would help provide a veteran presence for the Comets, who are without Richard Bachman for the season. Benning confirmed Bachman suffered a torn Achilles tendon muscle in his left leg. He was injured Dec. 21 in Springfield.

The 35-year-old McKenna has split this season between Ottawa and Belleville. In 10 NHL appearances this season, McKenna is 1-4-1 with a 3.96 goals-against average and an .897 save percentage. He has also appeared in six games with Belleville, going 3-3-0 with a 2.72 GAA and a .914 save percentage.

McKenna is the winningest U.S.-born goaltender in AHL history with 226 career victories and has a record of 226-175-39 with a 2.70 goals-against average, a .913 save percentage and 27 shutouts in 467 games. He’s played for 11 AHL teams including Belleville, Syracuse, Binghamton and Lowell/Albany.

The 28-year-old Nilsson had a 3-8-1 record in 12 games with the Canucks this season.