Detroit Red Wings: A look at Dennis Cholowski as he eyes a roster spot

In 2016 with an eye on the future, the Detroit Red Wings drafted defensemen Dennis Cholowski with the 20th pick. The future appears to be in his hands, as Cholowski has upped his game and is a real threat to make the 2018-19 Detroit Red Wings roster.

At 6′ 2″, 201 lbs Dennis Cholowski is a smooth skater. Perhaps the smoothest skater of all the Detroit Red Wings defensive prospects, even better than Filip Hornek. I believe it spoke volumes in this years NHL draft that Red Wings general manager Ken Holland did not draft a defenseman in the first round. He could have moved up or down. But stayed put.

It is widely being speculated that the Detroit Red Wings will have roster spots for two defensemen when training camp opens. Filip Hornek looks to have the inside track on one roster spot. That leaves Joe Hicketts, Cholowski and possibly Libor Sulak who has played in Europe to battle for the one spot.

When he was drafted Dennis Cholowski was 6′ 0″ he grew two more inches and gained a physical edge to his game. He is a strong two-way defenseman with excellent stick-work and uses his body well. His shot needed work but he has improved.

Dennis’s game has gotten better each season. He is great on the forecheck and sticks his body in everywhere. His passing ability and offensive play are greatly improved. Cholowski, is very effective on the powerplay.

He does need to clean up on sloppy passes at times. But with the veteran defenders in Detroit, they can help him in that area. He does not shoot very well from the point but can get the puck to open players as he excels with his passing.

He skates side to side extremely well for a player his size. He has bulked up since his draft day and is not shy about lowering the boom on opposing players. For a player who was chided by some of the fan base when his name was called in 2016, he has worked on both his physical ability and his overall game.

Did I mention that Dennis has a 50 assist season under his belt? He has a high hockey I.Q. and does not lack confidence. If he does make the final cut. Cholowski is going to have to show he can play defense well enough at an elite level to stick. Given how his game has improved and his work ethic this is something he can achieve.

He plays a big game. He is a big presence. Something the Detroit Red Wings need. Cholowski always keeps his feet moving something that not all young defensemen do. I project as a top 6 player. I could make an argument he could be a top 4. As he challenges himself to continue to get better.

The Detroit Red Wings defense is somewhat a mess as of right now. After training camp, it may look a bit better as two young players will set out to make their mark and help the Detroit Red Wings post rebuild to become a playoff team again.