Taylor Chorney, an American-born defenseman, embarked on his professional hockey journey after being drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round, 36th overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. Before turning professional, Chorney honed his skills at the University of North Dakota, where he played for the Fighting Sioux. His collegiate career was marked by steady development, and he was recognized for his defensive capabilities and leadership qualities, serving as team captain in his junior year.
Chorney made his NHL debut with the Oilers during the 2008-2009 season. Over the next few years, he split his time between the NHL and the American Hockey League (AHL), playing for the Springfield Falcons and later the Oklahoma City Barons, the Oilers' AHL affiliates. His time in the AHL allowed him to further refine his game, focusing on his defensive positioning and puck-moving abilities.
In 2011, Chorney was claimed off waivers by the St. Louis Blues, although his stint with the team was brief. He returned to the Oilers shortly after, continuing to oscillate between the NHL and AHL. His perseverance paid off when he signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2014. During his time with the Penguins, Chorney played primarily with their AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, but he also saw some NHL action.
Chorney's career took a positive turn when he signed with the Washington Capitals in 2015. With the Capitals, he found a more consistent role as a depth defenseman. Over the course of two seasons, he played in 73 games, contributing to the team's defensive lineup with his reliable play. His tenure with the Capitals was highlighted by his participation in the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 seasons, where he provided stability and experience to the team's blue line.
In 2018, Chorney was claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets. His time with the Blue Jackets was short-lived, as he played only a handful of games before being placed on waivers again. He was subsequently picked up by the Anaheim Ducks, where he finished the season. Following the conclusion of the 2017-2018 season, Chorney's professional playing career came to an end.
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