Photo: Detroit Free Press

The Capitals snagged 6’-2” defenseman Dennis Cholowski off the waiver wire on Thursday. He is scheduled to arrive in Northern Virginia later today and will likely participate in the team’s morning skate on Saturday.

Capitals’ forward Anthony Mantha, who was a teammate of Cholowski’s from 2018 until Mantha was acquired by the Capitals back in April, spoke about Cholowski following Capitals’ practice on Friday.

“A great offensive-minded defenseman, obviously he can make great plays in the O zone. I know he was working hard on his D zone aspects,” said Mantha. “He’s a great kid, obviously he’s a former first round pick, so he has a lot of skills. As a person he’s a great person, so I got just good things to say about him.”

Capitals defenseman Nick Jensen also spent time with Cholowski when he was with the Red Wings. He sees similarities between himself and the newest Capitals defenseman.

“Just as a player, really poised with the puck. Sees the ice really well. He’ll be able to make a lot of great plays,” said Jensen. “He’s a really good puck mover, anywhere, D zone, neutral zone, offensive zone, he knows where he’s going with the puck at all times. He’s never guessing. I think he sees the ice really well, it’s one of his top qualities. He’s just a pretty smart, skilled player. And off the ice, he’s a really nice guy, quiet demeanor, he’s similar to myself in that sense. He’s a good guy.”

Cholowski, 23, was the 20th overall pick in the 2016 NHL draft and started the year on the injured/non-roster list with Seattle. Capitals’ bench boss Peter Laviolette spoke about the Capitals’ most recent acquisition following the teams practice on Friday.

“Our management, scouts get a good look at a player. Young player, first round pick, good size to him, good skating mobility. Just an opportunity to have him become part of our organization, and see where he fits in. But we’re excited to get him here, I think he’ll be on the ice tomorrow at the pregame skate, and just get a look at him.”

The Capitals now have four left-handed defensemen on their 23-man roster: Dmitry Orlov, Martin Fehervary, Matt Irwin and Dennis Cholowski, and have eight defensemen in total.

The Capitals return to action Saturday night when they host the defending Champion Tampa Bay Lightning at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is set for just after 7:00 PM.

By Jon Sorensen