Dennis Cholowski


Dennis Cholowski is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins in the American Hockey League as a prospect to the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League. Cholowski was drafted 20th overall by the Red Wings in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

Playing career

Junior

During the 2015–16 season, Cholowski recorded 12 goals and 28 assists in 50 games for the Chilliwack Chiefs. He led the Chiefs' defenceman in scoring, and finished fifth among BCHL defensemen with 40 points. In the playoffs, he finished first in postseason scoring by a defenceman with four goals and 11 assists in 20 games. He was named to the 2016 BCHL Second All-Star Team.

College

During the 2016–17 season, in his freshman season, Cholowski recorded one goal and 11 assists in 36 games for the St. Cloud State Huskies.

Major junior

On September 26, 2017, Cholowski was assigned to the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League. On November 21, 2017, Cholowski was named captain of the Cougars.
On January 10, 2018, Cholowski was traded to the Portland Winterhawks, along with Ty Taylor, in exchange for Ilijah Colina, Connor Bowie, a first-round pick in 2020, a second-round pick in 2018, a second-round pick in 2019, and a third-round pick in 2020. Prior to being traded, he recorded 13 goals and 26 assists in 39 games for the Cougars, ranking second in the WHL in goals by a defenceman, and sixth in points. He finished his first major junior campaign with 14 goals and 52 assists in 69 games between Prince George and Portland. He ranked among the WHL's top defensemen in points, goals and assists.

Professional

On April 5, 2017, the Detroit Red Wings signed Cholowski to a three-year, entry-level contract. On April 7, Cholowski was signed to an amateur tryout by the Grand Rapids Griffins. On April 18, 2018, Cholowski was reassigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League. He made his professional debut for the Griffins on April 25, in a game against the Manitoba Moose, registering one shot on goal.
The following season, Cholowski made the Red Wings opening night roster out of training camp. He made his NHL debut for the Red Wings on October 4, 2018, and scored his first career NHL goal in the second period against Joonas Korpisalo of the Columbus Blue Jackets. On February 14, 2019, Cholowski was assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins. Prior to being assigned to the Griffins, he recorded seven goals and nine assists in 52 games for the Red Wings, ranking third in points among rookie defensemen in the NHL.

Career statistics