During yesterday’s optional skate at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, the Washington Capitals welcomed new defenseman Michal Kempny who was acquired from the Blackhawks in exchange for a third round pick in the 2018 draft. Taylor Chorney was absent and later we would find out that the Capitals placed him on waivers. When you’re on waivers, teams have 24 hours to claim you or else you’re sent down to the minors. At noon on Wednesday morning, it was officially announced that Chorney was picked up by the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

Blue Jackets claim Taylor Chorney off waivers from Washington

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 21, 2018

“I can tell you this about Taylor, he was one of my favorites. You talk about a pro guy that brings energy, a guy that can play, competes, doesn’t take a day off, all those things… I say this with all due respect, I hope someone grabs him because he’s a valuable asset to any team,” head coach Barry Trotz told the media prior to the Capitals game against the Tampa Bay Lightning Tuesday night.

Trotz also mentioned that Chorney was one of the first players at Kettler on Tuesday morning and that it was very tough for him to deliver the news that he was going to be placed on waivers.

Chorney didn’t get much playing time with the Capitals, serving most of the season as a healthy scratch. Chorney played in 24 of the team’s 60 games with the bulk of his playing time coming earlier in the season due to Matt Niskanen’s injury. Now that he’s with the Blue Jackets, Chorney will get the playing time that he deserves.

By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo

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