{{Short description|Canadian ice hockey player (born 1998)}} {{Infobox ice hockey player | name = Dennis Cholowski | image = Cholowski_425_02-2.jpg | image_size = | alt = Ice hockey player in a Seattle Kraken jersey skating with his stick out | caption = Cholowski with the Seattle Kraken in 2022 | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1998|02|15}} | birth_place = Langley, British Columbia, Canada | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 2 | weight_lb = 210 | position = Defence | shoots = Left | league = NHL | team = New Jersey Devils | prospect_league = AHL | prospect_team = <!--Utica Comets--> | former_teams = Detroit Red Wings<br>Washington Capitals<br>Seattle Kraken<br>New York Islanders | ntl_team = | draft = 20th overall | draft_year = 2016 | draft_team = Detroit Red Wings | career_start = 2017 | career_end = }} '''Dennis Cholowski''' (born February 15, 1998) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a defenceman for the <!--Utica Comets of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the--> New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). Cholowski was drafted 20th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2016 NHL entry draft.
In his native British Columbia, Cholowski began playing hockey locally, and he eventually joined the Chilliwack Chiefs of the British Columbia Hockey League, for whom he played from 2013 to 2016. After being drafted by the Red Wings, Cholowski played in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference with St. Cloud State University. The next season, he joined the Western Hockey League's Prince George Cougars, where he played until he was traded to the Portland Winterhawks.
Cholowski then joined the Red Wings' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, in 2017. In 2018, he made his NHL debut with the Red Wings, and he continued to play with both the Red Wings and the Griffins until 2021. That year, Cholowski was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 NHL expansion draft. At the beginning of his first season with the Kraken, he was placed on waivers and claimed by the Washington Capitals, with whom he played seven games, until he was placed on waivers once again and claimed by the Kraken, whom he played for alongside the AHL's Charlotte Checkers. Following that season, Cholowski signed with the New York Islanders, playing with them and their AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Islanders, from 2022 until he was traded to the New Jersey Devils in 2025.
Cholowski represented Canada West at the 2015 World Junior A Challenge. He registered two assists, helping the team to a gold medal.
==Playing career== ===Junior=== Growing up in Langley, British Columbia, Cholowski played bantam hockey in his hometown until he 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2013-05-02 |title=2013 Bantam Draft Recap |url=https://chl.ca/whl-cougars/2013-bantam-draft-recap/ |access-date=2025-12-13 |website=Prince George Cougars |language=en-CA}}</ref> Following his selection, Cholowski stepped up his game and joined the Chilliwack Chiefs of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). During the 2013–14 season, his first with the team, Cholowski only played one game with the Chiefs.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Hatten |first=Mick |date=2016-06-22 |title=SCSU recruit Cholowski may be taken in NHL's 1st round |url=https://www.sctimes.com/story/sports/college/hockey/husky-hockey/2016/06/22/scsu-recruit-cholowski-may-taken-nhls-1st-round/86217292/ |access-date=2025-12-14 |website=St. Cloud Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2014, Cholowski committed to play for the St. Cloud State Huskies, part of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hatten |first=Mick |date=2014-11-18 |title=Smooth-skating 16-year-old defenseman commits to SCSU |url=https://www.sctimes.com/story/sports/college/hockey/husky-hockey/2014/11/18/scsu-hockey-recruit-cholowski/19251913/ |access-date=2025-12-14 |website=St. Cloud Times |language=en-US}}</ref> In the 2014–15 season, through regular season and playoffs, he put up four goals and 30 assists through 67 games.<ref name=":2" /> During the 2015–16 season, Cholowski recorded 12 goals and 28 assists for 40 points through 50 games for the Chiefs. His point total led all Chiefs' defencemen, and it placed him fifth among BCHL defencemen.<ref name=":1" /> In the playoffs, he finished first in the league in points by a defenceman with 15, from four goals and 11 assists, in 20 games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Engels |first=Eric |date=2016-04-12 |title=Prospect of Interest: The 411 on Dennis Cholowski |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/prospect-interest-411-dennis-cholowski/ |access-date=2025-12-14 |website=Sportsnet |language=en}}</ref> Due to his performance, he was named to the 2016 BCHL Second All-Star Team.<ref name=":0" />
On June 24, 2016, at the 2016 NHL entry draft, the Detroit Red Wings traded Pavel Datsyuk's contact' {{US dollar|7500000}} annual value and the draft's 16th overall pick to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for the 20th overall and 53rd overall picks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-06-25 |title=Red Wings trade Datsyuk, pick to Coyotes |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/red-wings-trade-pavel-datsyuk-pick-to-coyotes-281042828 |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=National Hockey League |language=en}}</ref> The Red Wings used the 20th overall pick they acquired to select Cholowski.<ref>{{Cite web |last=St. James |first=Helene |date=2016-06-24 |title=NHL draft: Red Wings take defenseman Dennis Cholowski in first round |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2016/06/24/detroit-red-wings-nhl-draft/86363902/ |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}}</ref> His selection made him the highest-drafted St. Cloud State commit, surpassing Matt Cullen's 35th overall selection in 1996.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hatten |first=Mick |date=2016-06-24 |title=NHL draft: SCSU's Cholowski taken 20th by Detroit |url=https://www.sctimes.com/story/sports/college/hockey/husky-hockey/2016/06/24/nhl-draft-scsus-cholowski-taken-20th-detroit/86329676/ |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=St. Cloud Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
===College and major junior=== During the 2016–17 season, his first season with the St. Cloud State Huskies, Cholowski recorded one goal and 11 assists in 36 games.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hatten |first=Mick |date=April 22, 2016 |title=A look at SCSU's possible freshmen for 2016–17 |url=http://www.sctimes.com/story/sports/college/hockey/husky-hockey/2016/04/20/look-scsus-possible-freshmen-2016-17/83263286/ |accessdate=June 24, 2016 |website=St. Cloud Times}}</ref> On April 5, 2017, the Detroit Red Wings signed Cholowski to a three-year, entry-level contract.<ref name=":1" /> After the season, on April 7, Cholowski was signed to an amateur tryout offer by the Grand Rapids Griffins, the Detroit Red Wings' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 7, 2017 |title=Griffins Sign Cholowski to ATO |url=http://griffinshockey.com/news/releases/?article_id=3715 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928150119/https://griffinshockey.com/news/releases/?article_id=3715 |archive-date=2017-09-28 |accessdate=April 7, 2017 |website=Grand Rapids Griffins}}</ref> He played his first professional game with the Griffins on April 15, their last regular season game, in a 5–1 victory over the Milwaukee Admirals.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-04-15 |title=Keepin' It 100 |url=https://griffinshockey.com/news/keepin-it-100 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250424235534/https://griffinshockey.com/news/keepin-it-100 |archive-date=2025-04-24 |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=Grand Rapids Griffins |language=en}}</ref> Cholowski would remain a healthy scratch for the Griffins during their playoff run.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kulfan |first=Ted |title=Wings prospect Cholowski watches, waits for opportunity |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2017/05/04/wings-prospect-cholowski-watches-waits-opportunity/101297764/ |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}}</ref>
Before the 2017–18 season, on September 26, 2017, Cholowski was assigned to the Prince George Cougars of the WHL.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kujawa |first=Kyle |date=September 26, 2017 |title=Cholowski assigned to Western Hockey League |url=https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/cholowski-assigned-to-western-hockey-league/c-291366252 |accessdate=September 26, 2017 |website=National Hockey League}}</ref> On November 21, 2017, Cholowski was named captain of the Cougars.<ref>{{Cite web |last=frodgers |date=2017-11-21 |title=Cougars Announce Leadership Group |url=https://chl.ca/whl-cougars/cougars-announce-leadership-group/ |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=Prince George Cougars |language=en-CA}}</ref> On January 10, 2018, Cholowski was traded to the Portland Winterhawks, along with Ty Taylor, in exchange for Ilijah Colina, Connor Bowie, and WHL bantam draft picks, including 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. Before 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.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 10, 2018 |title=Winterhawks Acquire Defenseman Dennis Cholowski from Cougars |url=https://chl.ca/whl-winterhawks/winterhawks-acquire-defenseman-dennis-cholowski-from-cougars/ |accessdate=January 10, 2018 |website=Portland Winterhawks}}</ref> Cholowski finished this time with the Winterhawks with one goal and 26 assists in 32 games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newman |first=Mark |date=2021-03-26 |title=Cholowski making significant strides |url=https://theahl.com/news/cholowski-making-significant-strides |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=American Hockey League |language=en-US}}</ref> That season, he ranked eighth in points among the WHL's top defencemen, tied for sixth in goals and eighth in assists.<ref name=":3" /> In 12 playoff games with the Winterhawks, Cholowski recorded two goals and five assists.<ref>{{Cite web |last=St. James |first=Helene |title=Detroit Red Wings prospect Dennis Cholowski confident he can make team |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2018/06/28/detroit-red-wings-dennis-cholowski/742298002/ |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}}</ref> On April 18, 2018, Cholowski was reassigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-04-18 |title=Cholowski Reassigned to Griffins |url=https://griffinshockey.com/news/cholowski-reassigned-to-griffins |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=Grand Rapids Griffins |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kulfan |first=Ted |title=Wings prospect Dennis Cholowski ready to take next step |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2018/04/18/wings-prospect-cholowski-ready-take-next-step/33957635/ |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}}</ref> He played in one playoff game on April 25 against the Manitoba Moose, registering only one shot on goal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-04-25 |title=No Margin For Error |url=https://griffinshockey.com/news/no-margin-for-error-1 |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=Grand Rapids Griffins |language=en}}</ref>
===Professional===
==== Detroit Red Wings ==== During the 2018–19 season, after participating in the Detroit Red Wings' training camp,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kulfan |first=Ted |date=2018-09-22 |title='Puck poise' aids confident Cholowski's case for Wings job |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2018/09/22/puck-poise-aids-confident-cholowskis-case-red-wings-job/1394864002/ |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}}</ref> Cholowski made the team's opening night roster.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-10-03 |title=NHL opening night rosters for 2018–19 season |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/2018-2019-nhl-opening-night-rosters-300568996 |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=National Hockey League |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wakiji |first=Dana |last2=Regner |first2=Art |date=2018-10-05 |title=Trending: Cholowski gets first goal in first NHL game |url=https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/trending-cholowski-gets-first-goal-in-first-nhl-game-300660546 |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=National Hockey League |language=en}}</ref> On February 14, 2019, Cholowski was assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins. Before 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 defencemen in the NHL.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |date=February 14, 2019 |title=Red Wings assign Frk and Cholowski to Griffins |url=https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/red-wings-assign-frk-and-cholowski-to-griffins/c-304843542 |accessdate=February 15, 2019 |website=National Hockey League}}</ref> With the Griffins, Cholowski recorded 12 assists through 25 games.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-22 |title=2018–19 in Review: Dennis Cholowski |url=https://griffinshockey.com/news/2018-19-in-review-dennis-cholowski |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=Grand Rapids Griffins |language=en}}</ref>
Cholowski was once again named to the Red Wings' opening roster for the 2019–20 season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-02 |title=NHL opening night rosters for 2019–20 season |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/opening-night-rosters-nhl-2019-20-season-309630236 |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=National Hockey League |language=en}}</ref> On December 11, 2019, he was assigned to the Griffins. Before the move, he had collected two goals and six assists for eight points through 21 games, tied for second place among Red Wings defencemen in scoring.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-12-11 |title=Red Wings Assign Cholowski and McIlrath |url=https://griffinshockey.com/news/red-wings-assign-cholowski-and-mcilrath |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=Grand Rapids Griffins |language=en}}</ref> In 30 games with the Griffins, Cholowski notched three goals and 10 assists before AHL play was stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=St. James |first=Helene |title=Dennis Cholowski must step up in this Detroit Red Wings rebuild, and soon |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2020/05/04/detroit-red-wings-dennis-cholowski-rebuild/3075072001/ |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}}</ref> His season with the Red Wings ended with him not collecting any more points than he had before his reassignment, ending with 36 games played and a -26 plus–minus rating.<ref>{{Cite web |last=St. James |first=Helene |title=The best and worst Red Wings of the 2019–20 season: Our awards |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2020/03/21/detroit-red-wings-record-2019-20/2890974001/ |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}}</ref>
During the shortened 2020–21 season, in January 2021, Cholowski made the Red Wings' taxi squad,<ref>{{Cite web |last=St. James |first=Helene |date=2021-01-12 |title=Here's who made the Detroit Red Wings' roster and taxi squad — and who didn't |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2021/01/12/detroit-red-wings-roster-2021-taxi-squad-michael-rasmussen-dennis-cholowski/6643735002/ |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}}</ref> taxi squads being a safety measure put in place by the NHL for that season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-12 |title=NHL opening night rosters for 2020–21 season |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-opening-night-rosters-for-2020-21-season-320209828 |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=National Hockey League |language=en}}</ref> On February 1, he, along with fellow taxi squad members Chase Pearson and Gustav Lindstrom, was assigned to the Griffins.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DiFilippo |first=Alex |date=2021-02-01 |title=Red Wings reassign Pearson, Cholowski and Lindstrom to Grand Rapids |url=https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/red-wings-reassign-pearson-cholowski-and-lindstrom-to-grand-rapids-320963900 |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=National Hockey League |language=en}}</ref> With the Griffins, Cholowski totaled three goals and seven assists through 13 games. In Detroit, he collected one goal and two assists in 16 games.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2021-09-07 |title=Seattle Kraken Sign Defenseman Dennis Cholowski |url=https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/seattle-kraken-sign-defenseman-dennis-cholowski-326092324 |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=National Hockey League |language=en}}</ref>
==== Seattle Kraken and Washington Capitals ==== On July 18, 2021, the Red Wings released their protected player list for the 2021 NHL expansion draft, being held for the Seattle Kraken, on which Cholowski was not featured.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kulfan |first=Ted |date=2021-07-18 |title=Stecher, DeKeyser, Cholowski among Wings not protected for NHL Expansion Draft |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2021/07/18/stecher-dekeyser-cholowski-among-wings-not-protected-nhl-expansion-draft/8007329002/ |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}}</ref> On July 21, he was selected by the Kraken in the draft from the Red Wings.<ref>{{cite web |last=McWethy |first=Brett |date=July 21, 2021 |title=Dennis Cholowski selected by Seattle Kraken in 2021 NHL Expansion Draft |url=https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/red-wings-seattle-kraken-nhl-expansion-draft/c-325711614 |access-date=July 21, 2021 |website=National Hockey League}}</ref> On September 7, he signed a one-year, {{US dollar|900000}} deal with the Kraken.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Condor |first1=Bob |date=September 7, 2021 |title=Cholowski Joins Kraken Defense |url=https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/kraken-sign-dennis-cholowski-to-one-year-deal/c-326091548 |access-date=October 14, 2021 |website=National Hockey League}}</ref> On October 12, Cholowski was named to the Kraken's opening roster for the 2021–22 season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-12 |title=NHL opening night rosters for 2021–22 season |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-opening-night-rosters-for-2021-22-season-326757164 |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=National Hockey League |language=en}}</ref> The next day, he was placed on waivers,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Condor |first=Bob |date=2021-10-13 |title=Roster Update: Johansson on IR, Lind Added |url=https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/roster-update-johansson-on-ir-lind-added-326796646 |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=National Hockey League |language=en}}</ref> and the day after that, he was claimed by the Washington Capitals.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2021-10-14 |title=Caps claim D Cholowski off waivers from Kraken |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/washington-capitals-dennis-cholowski-waivers-seattle-kraken-1.1706472 |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=The Sports Network |language=en}}</ref> During his four months with the Capitals, Cholowski featured in just seven games, registering one assist and three shots on goal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=St. James |first=Helene |date=2022-02-10 |title=How Detroit Red Wings make costly decision to give up on first-round picks |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2022/02/10/detroit-red-wings-first-round-picks-busts/6722340001/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210124232/https://eu.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2022/02/10/detroit-red-wings-first-round-picks-busts/6722340001/ |archive-date=2022-02-10 |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}}</ref>
On February 8, 2022, Cholowski was waived by the Capitals,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pell |first=Samantha |date=2022-02-08 |title=In return from all-star break, Capitals get burned in the final minute for a 5–4 loss |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/02/08/capitals-blue-jackets-all-star-break/ |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=Washington Post}}</ref> and the next day, he was subsequently re-claimed by the Kraken.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-02-09 |title=Kraken claim Cholowski back from Caps off waivers |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/seattle-kraken-dennis-cholowski-nhl-waivers-1.1757245 |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=The Sports Network |language=en}}</ref> He was immediately reassigned by the Kraken to join the Charlotte Checkers, their AHL affiliate.<ref>{{cite web |last=Niedzielski |first=Nicholas |date=February 8, 2022 |title=Kraken assign Cholowski to Charlotte |url=https://charlottecheckers.com/articles/transactions/kraken-assign-dennis-cholowski-to-charlotte |accessdate=February 8, 2022 |website=Charlotte Checkers}}</ref> In 31 games with the Checkers, Cholowski tallied three goals and 15 assists before he was recalled by the Kraken on April 25.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Niedzielski |first=Nicholas |date=2025-04-25 |title=Kraken Recall Joey Daccord and Dennis Cholowski |url=https://charlottecheckers.com/articles/transactions/kraken-recall-joey-daccord-and-dennis-cholowski |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=Charlotte Checkers}}</ref> After the Kraken's season ended, he was sent back to Charlotte, having collected two assists in four games with Seattle.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Seattle Assigns Dennis Cholowski To Charlotte, Checkers Sign Ryker Evans To ATO |url=https://charlottecheckers.com/news/checkers-news/transactions/seattle-assigns-dennis-cholowski-to-checkers |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=Charlotte Checkers}}</ref> Through six Calder Cup playoff games, Cholowski notched one assist.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-08-23 |title=Islanders re-sign two, add two |url=https://theahl.com/news/islanders-re-sign-two-add-two |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=American Hockey League |language=en-US}}</ref>
==== New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils ==== On August 23, 2022, Cholowski, as a free agent, signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the New York Islanders.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 23, 2022 |title=Islanders sign four players |url=https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/islanders-sign-four-players/c-335353170 |accessdate=August 23, 2022 |website=National Hockey League}}</ref> Cholowski played with the Islanders' AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Islanders, for the beginning part of the season, until he was called up to New York on January 18, 2023.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2023-08-02 |title=New York Islanders Transactions |url=https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/new-york-islanders-transactions |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=National Hockey League |language=en}}</ref> He played his first game with New York that same day, skating in 13:58 of a 4–1 loss to the Boston Bruins.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gorman |first=Denis P. |date=2023-01-19 |title=McAvoy, Bruins defeat Islanders for 3rd win in row |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/boston-bruins-new-york-islanders-game-recap-339812836 |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=National Hockey League |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sears |first=Ethan |date=2023-01-19 |title=Islanders' William Dufour benched in NHL debut after mistakes |url=https://nypost.com/2023/01/18/islanders-william-dufour-benched-in-nhl-debut-after-mistakes/ |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=The New York Post |language=en-US}}</ref> After playing two games with New York,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-23 |title=NY Islanders activate Adam Pelech and Kyle Palmieri off injured reserve, reassign Dennis Cholowski, Fasching to IR |url=https://eyesonisles.com/posts/ny-islanders-activate-adam-pelech-and-kyle-palmieri-off-injured-reserve-reassign-dennis-cholowski-fasching-to-ir-01gqg4hbedgh |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=Eyes On Isles |publisher=Fansided |language=en-US}}</ref> he was returned to Bridgeport on January 23.<ref name=":5" /> He scored his first goal with Bridgeport on February 18, the tying goal in a game against the Springfield Thunderbirds, which Bridgeport would win in overtime.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-02-18 |title=Recap: Islanders 5, Thunderbirds 4 (OT) |url=https://www.bridgeportislanders.com/news/detail/recap-islanders-5-thunderbirds-4-ot |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=Bridgeport Islanders |language=en}}</ref> That goal was his only one during the 2022–23 season; he finished with an additional 37 assists through 67 games, his point total leading all Bridgeport defencemen.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bridgeport Islanders: Team Biographies |url=https://www.hartfordwolfpack.com/assets/doc/Bridgeport-Bios-24_0309-22be99e681.pdf |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=Hartford Wolf Pack}}</ref>
On October 6, 2023, Cholowski was placed on waivers to be assigned to Bridgeport,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-06 |title=Islanders' Dennis Cholowski: Put on waivers |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/hockey/news/islanders-dennis-cholowski-put-on-waivers/ |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=CBS Sports |language=en}}</ref> and he cleared them the next day to join the team.<ref name=":5" /> With Bridgeport during the 2023–24 season, Cholowski registered seven goals and 24 assists in 68 games. On April 23, 2024, Cholowski was assigned to New York's playoff roster.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosner |first=Stefen |date=2024-04-23 |title=Islanders Add Five Players To Playoff Roster Ahead Of Game Three |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/players/new-york-islanders-playoffs-gauthier-pinho-kuhlman-cholowski-salo |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=The Hockey News |language=en}}</ref> On June 24, as a restricted free agent, Cholowski re-signed with the Islanders in a one-year, entry-level deal after having been extended a qualifying offer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosner |first=Stefen |date=2024-07-25 |title=Dennis Cholowski Signs One-Year Deal, Important Move For Bridgeport Islanders |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/players/dennis-cholowski-new-york-islanders-bridgeport-islanders-one-year-two-way-deal-calle-odelius-isaiah-george-marshall-warren |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=The Hockey News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-30 |title=Islanders Extend Five Qualifying Offers |url=https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/islanders-extend-five-qualifying-offers |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=National Hockey League |language=en}}</ref>
Cholowski began the 2024–25 season with the Islanders, totaling three goals and seven assists through 33 games before being placed on waivers on February 20, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-20 |title=Islanders waive D Cholowski to open roster spot |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/43940548/islanders-waive-d-dennis-cholowski-open-roster-spot |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=ESPN |language=en}}</ref> He cleared waivers the next day,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosner |first=Stefen |date=2025-02-21 |title=Dennis Cholowski Clears NHL Waivers, Islanders Now With Two Open Roster Spots For Returning Defensemen |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/dennis-cholowski-clears-nhl-waivers-islanders-now-with-two-open-roster-spots-for-returning-defensemen |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=The Hockey News |language=en}}</ref> and scored one goal in six games. On March 7, Cholowski was traded by New York to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Adam Beckman.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-08 |title=Devils Acquire Cholowski |url=https://www.nhl.com/devils/news/devils-acquire-cholowski-release-3-7-25 |access-date=2025-12-20 |website=National Hockey League |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-03-07 |title=Devils, Islanders make trade |url=https://theahl.com/news/devils-islanders-make-trade |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=American Hockey League |language=en-US}}</ref> With the Devils, Cholowski skated in six regular season games and two playoff games,<ref name=":6" /> with Game 2 of the first round on April 22 being his NHL playoff debut.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carolina Hurricanes take 2–0 series lead over New Jersey Devils in NHL playoffs |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2025/04/22/hurricanes-nhl-playoffs-game-2-devils/83221725007/ |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref> Following the season, on July 1, Cholowski re-signed with the Devils for {{US dollar|775000}} for one year.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2025-07-01 |title=Cholowski Re-Signs with Devils |url=https://www.nhl.com/devils/news/cholowski-re-signs-with-devils-release-7-1-25 |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=National Hockey League |language=en}}</ref>
==International play==
{{MedalTableTop|name=}} {{MedalCountry|{{ihj|Canada}} West}}{{MedalSport|Ice hockey}}{{MedalCompetition|World Junior A Challenge}} {{MedalGold|2015 Cobourg & Whibty|}} {{MedalBottom}}
Cholowski participated at the 2015 World Junior A Challenge with Canada West, earning the gold medal.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2015-12-23 |title=Gold medal win for Cholowski's crew |url=https://theprogress.com/2015/12/23/gold-medal-win-for-cholowskis-crew/ |access-date=2025-12-13 |website=Chilliwack Progress |language=en}}</ref> Cholowski collected two assists through four games during the tournament.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Kujawa |first=Kyle |date=2017-04-06 |title=Red Wings agree with defenseman Dennis Cholowski |url=https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/red-wings-agree-to-terms-with-dennis-cholowski-288476308 |access-date=2025-12-13 |website=National Hockey League |language=en}}</ref>
==Career statistics==
===Regular season and playoffs===
{| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="text-align:center; width:60em" |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3" bgcolor="#ffffff" | ! rowspan="100" bgcolor="#ffffff" | ! colspan="5" | Regular season ! rowspan="100" bgcolor="#ffffff" | ! colspan="5" | Playoffs |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! Season ! Team ! League ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM |- ALIGN="center" | 2013–14 | Chilliwack Chiefs | BCHL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2014–15 | Chilliwack Chiefs | BCHL | 55 | 4 | 23 | 27 | 4 | 12 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 |- ALIGN="center" | 2015–16 | Chilliwack Chiefs | BCHL | 50 | 12 | 28 | 40 | 16 | 20 | 4 | 11 | 15 | 4 |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2016–17 | St. Cloud State | NCHC | 36 | 1 | 11 | 12 | 14 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" | 2016–17 | Grand Rapids Griffins | AHL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2017–18 | Prince George Cougars | WHL | 37 | 13 | 26 | 39 | 14 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" | 2017–18 | Portland Winterhawks | WHL | 32 | 1 | 26 | 27 | 18 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 7 | 6 |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2017–18 | Grand Rapids Griffins | AHL | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |- | 2018–19 | Grand Rapids Griffins | AHL | 25 | 0 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2018–19 | Detroit Red Wings | NHL | 52 | 7 | 9 | 16 | 16 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" | 2019–20 | Grand Rapids Griffins | AHL | 30 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 8 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2019–20 | Detroit Red Wings | NHL | 36 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 6 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" | 2020–21 | Grand Rapids Griffins | AHL | 13 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 6 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2020–21 | Detroit Red Wings | NHL | 16 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — |- | 2021–22 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2021–22 | Charlotte Checkers | AHL | 31 | 3 | 15 | 18 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |- ALIGN="center" | 2021–22 | Seattle Kraken | NHL | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2022–23 | Bridgeport Islanders | AHL | 67 | 1 | 37 | 38 | 26 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" | 2022–23 | New York Islanders | NHL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2023–24 | Bridgeport Islanders | AHL | 68 || 7 || 24 || 31 || 6 | — || — || — || — || — |- | 2024–25 | New York Islanders | NHL | 33 || 3 || 7 || 10 || 10 | — || — || — || — || — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2024–25 | Bridgeport Islanders | AHL | 6 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 2 | — || — || — || — || — |- | 2024–25 | New Jersey Devils | NHL | 6 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2025–26 | Utica Comets | AHL | 13 || 0 || 5 || 5 || 6 | — || — || — || — || — |- | 2025–26 | New Jersey Devils | NHL | 17 || 0 || 2 || 2 || 2 | — || — || — || — || — |- style="background:#e0e0e0;" ! colspan="3" | NHL totals ! 173 !! 13 !! 29 !! 42 !! 40 ! 2 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 |}
===International=== {| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" ID="Table3" style="text-align:center; width:40em" |- ALIGN="center" bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! Year ! Team ! Event ! Result ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff" | ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM |- | 2015 | Canada West | WJAC | {{gold1}} | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="4" | Junior totals ! 4 ! 0 ! 2 ! 2 ! 0 |}
== Awards and honors == {| class="wikitable" !Award !Year !Ref |- ! colspan="3" |Junior |- |BCHL Second All-Star Team |2016 |<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Rawnsley |first=Alex |date=2016-03-18 |title=Smith, Brubacher Named BCHL All-Stars |url=https://www.powellriverkings.com/smith-brubacher-named-bchl-all-stars |access-date=2025-12-13 |website=Powell River Kings |language=en-US}}</ref> |}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== * {{Ice hockey stats}}
{{s-start}} {{s-ach}} {{succession box | before = Evgeny Svechnikov | title = Detroit Red Wings first-round draft pick | years = 2016 | after = Michael Rasmussen}} {{s-end}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cholowski, Dennis}} Category:1998 births Category:Living people Category:21st-century Canadian sportsmen Category:Bridgeport Islanders players Category:Canadian expatriate ice hockey players in the United States Category:Canadian ice hockey defencemen Category:Charlotte Checkers (2010–) players Category:Chilliwack Chiefs players Category:Detroit Red Wings draft picks Category:Detroit Red Wings players Category:Grand Rapids Griffins players Category:Ice hockey people from British Columbia Category:NHL first-round draft picks Category:New Jersey Devils players Category:New York Islanders players Category:Portland Winterhawks players Category:Prince George Cougars players Category:Seattle Kraken players Category:Sportspeople from Langley, British Columbia (city) Category:St. Cloud State Huskies men's ice hockey players Category:Utica Comets players Category:Washington Capitals players