Apr 9, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; San Jose Sharks defenceman Taylor Fedun (43) is seen out on the ice as they took on the Edmonton Oilers during the first period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports
Taylor Fedun spent a majority of his 2014-15 season with the Worcester Sharks of the AHL. However, Fedun was able to crack the San Jose Sharks lineup, as he made seven appearances towards the end of the season.
In those seven games, Fedun showed the ability to move the puck from the back end with four assists. It was that offensive ability from the blue line that attracted general manager Doug Wilson to sign Fedun in the offseason after he spent a couple of seasons in the Edmonton Oilers organization.
Fedun, who was brought in to supply depth at the AHL-level, played in 65 games with Worcester with six goals and 28 assists and a plus-12 rating. He added one goal during Worcester’s Calder Cup playoff run.
While Fedun has limited NHL experience, appearing in only 11 games throughout his career, he showed some promise to warrant another season with the Sharks organization. Fedun, 27, is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but look for Wilson to resign Fedun to a similar one-year deal that he signed last offseason.
If nothing else, Fedun should see plenty of ice time at the AHL-level, and the Sharks now see that he can handle himself if he’s needed with the NHL club. San Jose needs to continue to search for high quality defensemen to improve their 24th-ranked defensive corps, but Fedun should be someone who has a role within the organization.
His game should only improve with the AHL team moving from Worcester to San Jose where he can work with Larry Robinson on his defensive game. Fedun is not a difference-maker by any stretch of the imagination, but he could develop into a third-pairing option with the Sharks at some point.