Taylor Chorney, Capitals Agree to New Contract: Latest Details, Reaction

On Friday, the Washington Capitals reportedly signed defenseman Taylor Chorney to a two-year, $1.6 million contract extension, according to the Associated Press (via ESPN.com). 

The 28-year-old Chorney is in his first year with the Capitals and has appeared in 45 games this season. 

Originally brought on as a seventh defenseman, Chorney was thrust into playing time this season due to the injuries suffered by John Carlson and Brooks Orpik. Carlson missed 12 games, while Orpik missed 40. 

The 45 games Chorney has appeared in is a career high. Before the 2015-16 season, his prior best was 42 games in the 2009-10 season with the Edmonton Oilers. From 2010-2015, he appeared in just 29 games. 

He has also put up a new high in points with five assists and a plus-11 rating. He hadn't had a positive rating in his first seven years in the league. 

Chorney is more of a stay-at-home defenseman, as he is not the most skilled player with the puck. But he isn't afraid to throw his body around despite not being the largest defenseman at 6'1", 190 pounds. 

“Chorns has done a fantastic job and has played very, very well,” head coach Barry Trotz told Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post. “That’s a good problem to have when it’s difficult, and it was.”

Chorney hasn't appeared in a game since Feb. 13 due to Orpik's and Carlson's return, but the depth he provides on the blue line has been invaluable to the Capitals. For that, he's been rewarded with an extension. 

The Capitals are the best team in the NHL with 88 points through 56 games and have allowed a league-low 128 goals in that span. 

Stats courtesy of Hockey-Reference.com.