Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of Holly Gunning
- Name: Taylor Stefishen
- Position: LW
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 5-11
- Weight: 191 lbs
- Birthdate: 1990-08-15
- Eligible for Draft: 2008
- Drafted: 2008
- Hometown: North Vancouver, British Columbia
- Acquired: 5th round (136th overall), 2008
- Playing In: Pro
Taylor Stefishen
Prospect Grade: 5.5 D (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2007-08: This would be Stefishen’s final season with the Langley Chiefs (BCHL) and he would leave on a high note. The forward put up career-highs in goals (33), assists (48) and points (81). He signed a letter of intent to attend Ohio State University (CCHA) for the 2008-09 season.
2008-09: Freshman at Ohio State. Stefishen has earned top line minutes at mid-year. Season shortened by mononucleosis.
2009-10: Stefishen played 27 games in his sophomore season at Ohio State.
2010-11: Stefishen skated for Prince George in the WHL as a 20-year-old after leaving Ohio State following his sophomore year. Stefishen was the second-leading scorer for the middle-of-the-pack Cougars behind Tampa Bay prospect Brett Connolly; scoring 24 goals with 43 assists. He finished the season with 72 PMs and was -1 in 68 regular season games. In the Cougars' four-game playoff series with Kelowna he was +1 and scored 2 goals (both on the power play) with 2 assists and 2 PMs. Stefishen was acquired by the Washington Capitals from Nashville in June 2011 for a conditional 2013 draft pick.
Talent Analysis
One of the latest in a growing number of prospects drafted directly from the BCHL, Stefishen was considered a bit of a roll of the dice because while he was highly regarded for his offensive skill leading up to the 2008 draft, his commitment to three-zone play was questioned. After a couple of decent season at Ohio State, Stefishen joined the Prince George Cougars of the WHL, where he showed the scoring touch he displayed in the BCHL. He has decent size and offensive ability, but his defensive skill is still lacking.
Future
Coming over to Washington in a trade with Nashville, Stefishen will likely spend time in the minors before he’s ready to compete for an NHL roster spot. He has solid vision and puckhandling skills, but will need to work on his play in the defensive zone, especially since he projects to be a third or fourth line player. Look for him to hone his all-around game in either Hershey (AHL) or South Carolina (ECHL) for several seasons before he’s ready for NHL duty, if he ever gets a shot.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: November, 30th 2011
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