The Dundee Stars are one step closer to fixing their defensive flaws.
Zach Taylor inked a short-term contract with the Elite League side on Tuesday [23 December], arriving in Dundee alongside forward Quinn Ryan, and will debut pending international clearance.
The Canadian joins the Stars with three seasons of professional experience, which includes stops in the ECHL, Slovak Extraliga, and Denmark’s Metal Ligaen.
“Zach is a smooth-skating, two-way defenceman,” said Dundee head coach Marc LeFebvre.
“He has a very good first pass and can transport the puck up ice, which is something we’ve struggled with at points this season. He also has experience on European ice, which should help him adjust quickly.”
Who is Dundee Stars defenceman Zach Taylor?
Zach Taylor, Dundee Stars (Image: Brock University Badgers)
Taylor spent three seasons in USports before entering the professional ranks.
The Sault St. Marie-born defender recorded 47 points (13 goals, 34 assists) in 59 games for Brock University, signing his first senior deal with the ECHL’s Rapid City Rush in the final weeks of the 2023-24 season.
Taylor scored seven points in seven games (one goal, six assists) as a newcomer to North America’s third tier, but took his talents to Europe the following season.
The 26-year-old split the season between Slovakia and Denmark, starting out with three points (two goals, one assist) in six games for Liptovsky Mikulas. He finished the season with Herning Blue Fox, scoring 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 17 appearances.
Taylor has already suited up for two teams this term, plying nine games with Slovak side HC Presov (for whom he recorded four points), before returning to North America for a five-game run with the Iowa Heartlanders.
How will defenceman Zach Quinn help the Dundee Stars?
Taylor’s appeal is obvious: he’s an offensively-minded defenceman, with the puck-moving talent to match his vision.
At his best, the 5-foot-11 defender is almost a point-per-game player.
He scored 14 points in 17 Metal Ligaen appearances last term, building on his 23-point, 27-game USports campaign the year prior.
But there’s an equally obvious downside to signing Taylor: he’s yet to stick.
Despite turning professional less than three years ago, he’s already played for five teams in three countries.
Will it be sixth time lucky with the Stars? Perhaps.
Dundee’s recent struggles are well-documented, with LeFebvre calling his team’s recent form “horrendous” on Sunday [21 December].
But the Stars aren’t out of the playoff picture.
They’re 4-11-1 on the season, six points behind the Coventry Blaze with five games in hand.
While their recent form has left plenty to be desired, the addition of a slick, puck-moving defenceman could turn their season around.
The Stars could only ice four defenceman (and forward Morten Jurgens) on the blueline for their last game, a 7-1 drubbing away in Belfast.
With Taylor on board, the Stars are one step closer to having defensive depth — and he could yet figure in a top-four role.
We’ll score this as a win-win: the player has a new contract, the team has a capable defender.
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