 Kunyk made an immediate impact with the Stars and in 27 games, placed second in team scoring with 13 goals and 29 points.In the following off-season, Kunyk returned to North America as a free agent, securing a one-year AHL contract with the Utica Comets, an affiliate to the Vancouver Canucks on July 25, 2016.Kunyk responded to his return to the AHL with a career year offensively in posting 15 goals and 37 points in 61 games.