Capitals defenseman Taylor Chorney was put on waivers Tuesday. He did not make it through.
According to Brian Hedger, the Columbus Blue Jackets have claimed the Capitals former seventh defenseman.
#CBJ claim D Taylor Chorney off waivers from #Capitals
— Brian Hedger (@JacketsInsider) February 21, 2018
The claim by the Metropolitan Division rival appears due to D depth problems which will likely soon be exacerbated by the exit of Jack Johnson.
The Blue Jackets have struggled to find a full-time sixth defenseman this season. Both Scott Harrington and Ryan Murray have shared the role, but have played less than 30 games and under 400 5v5 minutes this season. Talented rookie Dean Kukan was also just placed on injured reserve and will miss the next four weeks.
To make matters worse, Jack Johnson requested a trade last month and will likely be dealt before the deadline.
Confirming report from @Aportzline that CBJ defenceman Jack Johnson has requested a trade. Interesting after listening to John Tortorella say how important #7 was to Jackets in 2nd half of season.
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) January 13, 2018
According to Sportsnet, Johnson has spent parts of the season on the third pairing, but in January was promoted to the second unit alongside veteran David Savard.
Chorney is the second Caps player to fail to go through waivers. Earlier in the season, Nathan Walker was claimed by the Edmonton Oilers before being re-claimed by the Capitals three weeks later.
