Toronto Marlies Roster Preview: Zach Yuen

Toronto Marlies – Zach Yuen – #19 with Orlando Solar Bears

Age: 21

Weight: 205

Height: 6’0″

Position: Defence

Birthplace: Vancouver, British Columbia

How he got here: Drafted 119th overall, round four, 2011 by Winnipeg. Went unsigned, picked up by Toronto.

Contract Status: Signed to a Marlies contract. 

Quick Background

Yuen’s story is more confusing than the normal AHL’ers. Yuen was drafted 119th overall in 2011, when Winnipeg traded two picks to move up and get him. The Jets and Yuen were never able to work out a deal and he went unsigned past the deadline. This meant he could re-enter the NHL draft, where he was expected to have been taken in the late second or early third rounds. Instead he went undrafted. He was invited to the Toronto Maple Leafs prospect camp in 2013 after running out of junior eligibility and impressed, which earned him an AHL contract.

2013-2014 Season Recap

Yuen spent the majority of last season playing for the ECHL Orlando Solar Bears, where he had 12 points in 48 games. He also saw three games for the Marlies where he was held scoreless.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Yuen is a two-way defencemen who has a solid scoring touch for the Tri-City Americans in the WHL. So far that hasn’t translated to the pro game.

He’s a very strong skater with strong agility and mobility. He was a figure skater growing up and has been able to translate that skill to hockey.

He’s also got a solid physical game and isn’t afraid to throw his body around or drop the gloves.

Despite all those positive attributes, Yuen appears to have plateaued. While his time in the ECHL and AHL were solid, he’s quickly being passed by younger prospects with higher ceilings.

Maple Leafs Depth Chart

Yuen is going to be hard pressed to make the Marlies this season. If the Maple Leafs defence has Phaneuf, Robidas, Rielly, Gardiner, Franson, Polak and Tallinder staying at the NHL level, that leaves Mikkelson, Percy, Granberg, Holzer, MacWilliam, Finn, Loov, Nilsson, Knodel, Marshall and Yuen fighting for spots in the AHL. Needless to say, that’s not good for Yuen.

That being said, while Yuen will likely start the season in the ECHL he could be called up to fill in for an injury. Any injury to either a Maple Leaf or Marlie defencemen will move everybody up a peg, which could allow Yuen to play for the Marlies this season.

Fun Fact:

Is the first Chinese-Canadian drafted in the NHL.

2014-2015 Season Potential

Yuen is quickly approaching make or break time on a professional career. He’s got to prove this year that he’s good enough to take a spot on the Marlies. If he can’t do that, he may find himself without another contract offer going forwards.

via Toronto Marlies Roster Preview: Zach Yuen.