The Pittsburgh Penguins have come to terms with a 2014 draft pick, inking Union College standout Jeff Taylor to a two-year, entry-level contract that will begin next season. For now, Taylor will report to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL on an amateur tryout contract.
Taylor was selected in the seventh round of the 2014 draft after winning the NCAA championship in his freshman year at Union, and recently finished his four years by putting up 33 points in 38 games while serving as alternate captain this season. The defender was once known for an extremely risky play style, disregarding his position and carrying the puck through traffic. He has since developed a more two-way game, though his defensive ability still lags a bit.
If the Penguins can get him into their system that allows offensive defensemen to play to their strengths while continuing to develop the defensive side, he could thrive. A bit undersized, he’ll have to rely on his instincts and positioning more than physicality at the professional level.