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WILKES-BARRE — Four days ago Jeff Taylor and his Union College teammates endured a difficult 10-3 loss to Penn State in the NCAA Midwest Regional Semifinal.
Taylor had little time to get over it.
On Monday he signed a two-year entry-level contract with Pittsburgh and he arrived in Wilkes-Barre for his first practice with the Penguins on Wednesday.
“It feels great to finally get here. It’s been a crazy few days. It’s good to get on the ice finally,” Taylor said.
The 22-year-old blueliner provides an offensive element for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s blueline. During his senior season at Union College, Taylor posted a career-high nine goals and 33 points and finished his college career as the second-highest scoring defenseman in Union history, compiling 92 points in 149 games.
While Taylor admits he likes to join the rush, he also stressed that defense is an important part of his game.
“I’ve been trying to work in my own zone to. That’s where I struggle a bit, if anything,” Taylor said.
Despite Taylor’s self-admitted struggles in the defensive zone, his college numbers indicate it’s not a glaring issue.
As a senior, Taylor ranked third on his team with a plus-15 rating. It was a big improvement from Taylor’s junior season when he posted a career-low minus-8, in addition to lows in goals (2), assists (10) and points (12).
Being able to rebound both offensively and defensively in his senior season was a major accomplishment for Taylor.
“My junior season I struggled. I was trying to work on different things,” he said. “It was a growing year. I’m glad I had it and got better from it.”
One aspect that Taylor didn’t have to worry about during his college career was finding a place to play in the pro ranks. He was drafted by Pittsburgh in the seventh round of the 2014 draft, and once his college season wrapped up Taylor knew where he was going.
“I felt good knowing this could be an easier process than some of my teammates who were dealing with a whole bunch of teams,” Taylor said. “It felt good to know I had a place to come to.”
Head coach Clark Donatelli said Taylor could play his first game during the Penguins three-in-three set this weekend. Donatelli got a few looks at Taylor over the years during Pittsburgh’s development camps and he has an idea what to expect.
“He’s a puck-moving defenseman, he’s got skill and he can really skate,” Donatelli said. “His first practice was today and he looked good out there.”
And while Taylor waits for the chance to get into his first game as a pro, he hopes to keep improving and preparing himself for the adjustment from the college ranks.
“I had a pretty good season (in college). I worked on my defensive game a lot and it gave me confidence coming into here,” Taylor said. “I know things are going to be faster and the players are bigger at this level, but I’ll take that in stride.”
Notes
— Garrett Wilson continued to practice with the team and will be ready to return this weekend after being sidelined on Feb. 14 with an upper body injury.
— D Stuart Percy had season-ending surgery and won’t return for the playoffs. Percy finishes his first season with the Penguins totalling a goal and 8 points in 37 games. He also posted a career-best plus-6 rating.
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