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.
After playing three seasons for the University of Minnesota, Taffe joined the Phoenix Coyotes and was traded to the Springfield Falcons, their AHL affiliate, for the 2002-03 season.