 After playing three seasons with the University of Minnesota, during which the Blues traded his rights to the Phoenix Coyotes in a deal involving Keith Tkachuk, Taffe made his professional debut with Coyotes' American Hockey League affiliate, the Springfield Falcons, in the 2002–03 season.He also appeared in 20 NHL games with the Coyotes that same season, scoring three goals.Taffe spent the 2004-05 season as a member of the American Hockey League's Utah Grizzlies.