Dennis Cholowski Bio
Dennis Cholowski is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who serves as a defenceman for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on February 15, 1998, in Langley, British Columbia, Cholowski was selected 20th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2016 NHL entry draft. He has developed into a steady two-way defenceman throughout his professional career, which began in 2017. Cholowski has played for several NHL organizations including the Detroit Red Wings, Seattle Kraken, Washington Capitals, and New York Islanders before joining the New Jersey Devils in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Dennis Cholowski grew up in Langley, British Columbia, where he began playing hockey locally in his hometown. His early development came through bantam hockey in Langley, laying the foundation for his future in the sport. As a young player, he demonstrated the skills and hockey sense that would eventually earn him recognition at higher levels of competition.
Cholowski was selected by the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in the 10th round, 200th overall, of the 2013 WHL bantam draft. Following his selection, he joined the Chilliwack Chiefs of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), where he continued his development from 2013 to 2016. During the 2015-16 season, Cholowski recorded 12 goals and 28 assists for 40 points through 50 games, leading all Chiefs defencemen in scoring and placing fifth among BCHL blueliners. His strong playoff performance that year, finishing first in the league in points by a defenceman with 15 points, earned him a spot on the 2016 BCHL Second All-Star Team.
Path to Professional Hockey
Prior to joining the Chiefs full-time, Cholowski committed to play for St. Cloud State University and its Huskies program, part of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, in 2014. During the 2014-15 season with the Huskies, he contributed four goals and 30 assists through 67 games. After his time with the Chiefs, he returned to major junior hockey, joining the Prince George Cougars in September 2017 and serving as the team captain beginning in November 2017. He recorded 13 goals and 26 assists in 39 games with the Cougars before being traded to the Portland Winterhawks in January 2018, where he finished the season with one goal and 26 assists in 32 games.
Dennis Cholowski Career
Early Professional Career (2017-2018)
On April 5, 2017, Cholowski signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Detroit Red Wings. Following the conclusion of his college season, he joined the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, for the final game of their regular season on April 15, 2017. He debuted in a 5-1 victory over the Milwaukee Admirals and remained with the Griffins through their playoff run as a healthy scratch.
Before the 2017-18 season, Cholowski was assigned to the Prince George Cougars to continue his development in major junior hockey. His strong performance with the Cougars and later the Portland Winterhawks solidified his standing as a promising defensive prospect. On April 18, 2018, he was reassigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins to begin his first full professional season.
Detroit Red Wings Era (2018-2021)
Cholowski made the Detroit Red Wings opening night roster for the 2018-19 season after participating in training camp. He made his NHL debut on October 4, 2018, and scored his first career NHL goal in the second period against Joonas Korpisalo of the Columbus Blue Jackets. His rookie season showed promise, as he recorded seven goals and nine assists in 52 games with the Red Wings, ranking third in points among rookie defencemen in the NHL. He was assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins in February 2019, where he added 12 assists in 25 games.
The following season, Cholowski again made the Red Wings opening roster. Through 21 games before being reassigned to Grand Rapids in December 2019, he collected two goals and six assists, tied for second place among Red Wings defencemen in scoring. He finished the 2019-20 season with the Griffins, recording three goals and 10 assists in 30 games before the season was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the shortened 2020-21 season, Cholowski appeared on Detroit’s taxi squad and split time between the Griffins and the Red Wings, contributing three goals and seven assists in 13 games with Grand Rapids while adding one goal and two assists in 16 games with Detroit.
Seattle Kraken and Washington Capitals (2021-2022)
On July 21, 2021, Cholowski was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 NHL expansion draft after being left unprotected by the Detroit Red Wings. He signed a one-year, $900,000 contract with Seattle in September 2021 and was named to the Kraken’s opening roster for the 2021-22 season. However, he was placed on waivers the following day and claimed by the Washington Capitals. During his brief tenure with Washington, Cholowski appeared in just seven games, recording one assist.
In February 2022, Cholowski was placed on waivers by the Capitals and re-claimed by the Kraken. He was immediately assigned to the Charlotte Checkers, Seattle’s AHL affiliate, where he recorded three goals and 15 assists in 31 games. He was recalled by the Kraken in late April but appeared in only four games with Seattle to close the season.
New York Islanders Era (2022-2025)
On August 23, 2022, Cholowski signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the New York Islanders as a free agent. He began the season with the Bridgeport Islanders, New York’s AHL affiliate, before being called up to the NHL club in January 2023. He made his Islanders debut on January 18, 2023, in a game against the Boston Bruins. Cholowski spent most of the 2022-23 season with Bridgeport, where he led all team defencemen with 37 assists and 38 points through 67 games.
Throughout the 2023-24 season, Cholowski continued with the Bridgeport Islanders, registering seven goals and 24 assists in 68 games. He was assigned to New York’s playoff roster in April 2024. Following the season, he re-signed with the Islanders in June 2024 on a one-year, entry-level deal. During the 2024-25 season, Cholowski appeared in 33 games with New York, contributing three goals and seven assists, before being placed on waivers in February 2025.
New Jersey Devils Era (2025-Present)
On March 7, 2025, Cholowski was traded by the New York Islanders to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Adam Beckman. He completed the 2024-25 season with the Devils, appearing in six regular season games and two playoff games. His playoff debut came on April 22, 2025, in Game 2 of the Devils’ first-round series. Following the season, on July 1, 2025, Cholowski re-signed with New Jersey on a one-year, $775,000 contract, securing his place with the team heading into the 2025-26 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Dennis Cholowski is known as a two-way defenceman who contributes both offensively and defensively. His collegiate and junior career demonstrated his ability to quarterback a power play and move the puck effectively, as shown by his consistently high assist totals at every level. Cholowski has shown the ability to log significant minutes and contribute on special teams, though his professional career has been characterized by adjustment periods as he has moved between organizations. His left-handed shot and mobility allow him to transition the puck and join the rush when opportunities arise.
Notable Events and Milestones
Several moments stand out in Cholowski’s career trajectory. His NHL debut and first career goal against Columbus Blue Jackets in October 2018 marked his arrival at the professional level. Being selected by the Kraken in the expansion draft in 2021 represented a significant vote of confidence from a new franchise. His gold medal performance with Canada West at the 2015 World Junior A Challenge, where he registered two assists, served as an early international accolade that highlighted his abilities on the big stage.
Dennis Cholowski Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Dennis Cholowski has accumulated experience at the NHL and AHL levels while demonstrating consistent offensive production, particularly during his junior and minor league seasons. His career has included regular-season contributions across multiple organizations and, more recently, playoff experience with the New Jersey Devils.
Career Highlights
Cholowski’s most notable career moment came early in his NHL tenure when he scored his first professional goal during his debut game with the Detroit Red Wings. During his rookie season in Detroit, he ranked third among rookie defencemen in points, showcasing his offensive capabilities at the highest level. His junior career included leading BCHL defencemen in scoring during his final season with Chilliwack and ranking among the top producing blueliners in the WHL. Internationally, he helped Canada West capture the gold medal at the 2015 World Junior A Challenge.
Awards and Honors
Cholowski’s career includes several individual recognitions at the junior level. He was named to the 2016 BCHL Second All-Star Team following his standout season with the Chilliwack Chiefs, where he led team defencemen in scoring and finished among the top blueliners in the entire league. His international success came at the 2015 World Junior A Challenge, where he earned a gold medal with Canada West. His draft selection by the Detroit Red Wings at 20th overall in 2016 made him the highest-drafted St. Cloud State commit at that time, surpassing previous selections dating back to 1996.
Dennis Cholowski Family
Family Background and Early Influences
While detailed family information is not publicly available, Dennis Cholowski grew up in Langley, British Columbia, a region known for producing competitive hockey players. His selection in the WHL bantam draft and subsequent development through the Canadian junior hockey system suggests a supportive environment for his athletic pursuits. Specific information about family members, including parents or siblings, remains private.
Personal Life
Dennis Cholowski continues to pursue his professional hockey career while maintaining his base in British Columbia, where he grew up. He has navigated the challenges of professional hockey, including multiple team transitions and the demands of playing in both the NHL and AHL. Information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children is not publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NHL season represented a transitional year for Dennis Cholowski. He began the season with the New York Islanders, appearing in 33 games and recording three goals and seven assists before being placed on waivers in February 2025. After clearing waivers and scoring one goal in six games, he was traded to the New Jersey Devils in early March in exchange for Adam Beckman.
With the Devils, Cholowski appeared in six regular season games to close out the campaign. More significantly, he made his NHL playoff debut on April 22, 2025, in Game 2 of the Devils’ first-round playoff series, gaining valuable postseason experience. Following the conclusion of the season, he signed a one-year, $775,000 contract to remain with New Jersey, providing him an opportunity to establish himself with his new organization heading into the 2025-26 season.