Kraken Poised to Buy Out Former Red Wings First-Round Pick, Per Reports…see more…
SEATTLE, WA — In a move that signals a shift in roster strategy heading into the 2025-26 NHL season, the Seattle Kraken are reportedly preparing to buy out the remaining contract of a former first-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings, according to sources close to the organization. The player in question—whose name has not yet been officially confirmed by the team—is widely believed to be defenseman Dennis Cholowski, a 2016 first-round selection who has struggled to solidify his place in the NHL despite multiple opportunities.
If the buyout proceeds as expected, it would mark a significant pivot for the Kraken’s front office, which has thus far been cautious with contract terminations since entering the league in 2021. For the player, it could be the end of a rocky chapter in a once-promising career and the start of a new quest to regain footing in professional hockey.
Background: A Once-Promising Prospect
Dennis Cholowski was selected 20th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2016 NHL Draft, a pick that carried weight at the time as part of the team’s rebuilding efforts. Known for his smooth skating, offensive upside, and puck-moving abilities, Cholowski was envisioned as a potential cornerstone on the Red Wings’ blue line for years to come.
After a year in the NCAA with St. Cloud State and some seasoning in the WHL, Cholowski made his NHL debut in the 2018-19 season, recording 7 goals and 9 assists in 52 games. His early performances showed flashes of potential, particularly on the power play. However, defensive lapses, inconsistency, and struggles with physical play began to overshadow his skill set.
Over the next two seasons, Cholowski bounced between the NHL and AHL, never fully earning the trust of Red Wings head coaches Jeff Blashill and later Derek Lalonde. Detroit ultimately left him unprotected in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft, where he was selected by the Seattle Kraken.
Kraken Tenure: Opportunity Meets Inconsistency
Cholowski’s time with the Kraken has been emblematic of the highs and lows that defined his Detroit tenure. Initially viewed as a potential breakout candidate under then-head coach Dave Hakstol, he was given early opportunities to carve out a role in the defensive rotation. But once again, defensive miscues and inconsistency led to multiple stints in the press box or with the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds.
Statistically, his production in Seattle has been underwhelming. In parts of three seasons with the Kraken, Cholowski appeared in fewer than 75 games, recording just 3 goals and 12 assists. Despite efforts to simplify his game and focus more on positional play, he remained a liability in his own zone, particularly against faster and more physical opponents.
With the Kraken now focused on building around a core of younger, more defensively responsible blueliners such as Ryker Evans, Vince Dunn, and Will Borgen, Cholowski appears to be the odd man out.
The Mechanics of a Buyout
If Seattle proceeds with a buyout, the financial implications would be relatively modest given that Cholowski is still on a manageable contract. His cap hit is believed to be under $1.5 million annually, meaning the Kraken would face a minimal penalty spread over the next two seasons should the buyout be processed before the July 1st deadline.
Under NHL buyout rules, players under the age of 26 can be bought out at one-third of the remaining contract value. This makes Cholowski an inexpensive contract to terminate, both from a financial and cap-space perspective.
Seattle’s Motivation: Cap Flexibility and Roster Space
The Kraken’s motivation for moving on from Cholowski stems not only from on-ice performance but also from a broader need for cap flexibility and roster efficiency. With several young prospects vying for NHL minutes—particularly defensemen like Ty Nelson and Cale Fleury—Seattle’s front office appears keen to open up opportunities for internal competition.
Additionally, the Kraken are believed to be active in the free-agent market, with a focus on improving their top-four defense and adding veteran leadership. Removing Cholowski’s contract from the books frees up additional space that could be redirected toward short-term deals or retained salary in potential trades.
The Player’s Future: Crossroads Ahead
As for Cholowski, a buyout would leave the 27-year-old at a professional crossroads. Though his time in Detroit and Seattle didn’t yield long-term results, he remains a player with tools that could appeal to teams looking for low-risk, high-reward depth options on the back end. His skating and offensive instincts still have value in certain systems, especially in Europe or among NHL teams facing defensive injuries or lacking power-play quarterbacks.
A potential landing spot could be a professional tryout (PTO) offer in training camp, or even a short-term two-way contract with a club seeking veteran presence in their AHL affiliate. Alternatively, European leagues such as the SHL (Sweden), Liiga (Finland), or KHL (Russia) could offer him a clean slate and more ice time.
League-Wide Context: Changing Attitudes on Buyouts
The Kraken’s willingness to engage in a buyout also reflects a growing trend across the NHL, where general managers are more frequently using buyouts to correct misfires in roster construction. In a flat-cap era, teams can ill afford to carry underperforming contracts, particularly for players not contributing at the NHL level.
Seattle GM Ron Francis has generally favored a conservative approach, but the Cholowski situation may serve as a rare exception. With the team under pressure to take a step forward after narrowly missing the playoffs in 2024-25, every roster spot and dollar count.
Fan Reaction: Mixed but Understandable
Fan reactions across Kraken social media have been mixed but largely understanding. While some hoped Cholowski might still turn the corner, most recognize that three years is ample time for a defenseman to show consistency. Many fans appear excited at the possibility of giving younger players a longer leash next season, particularly those drafted and developed by Seattle itself.
Conclusion: End of One Chapter, Start of Another
While Dennis Cholowski’s potential NHL resurgence appears dim for now, a buyout by the Seattle Kraken might ultimately benefit both parties. The team gains flexibility and a chance to reshape their defensive identity, while Cholowski will be free to explore new opportunities without the pressure of living up to his draft status.
Once seen as a future power-play anchor and offensive leader on the blue line, Cholowski now faces the challenge of redefining his career path. Whether that road leads back to the NHL or takes him overseas remains to be seen. But for now, the curtain is closing on his Seattle tenure—quietly and definitively.
The buyout window remains open until July 1. Official confirmation from the Kraken could arrive any day now.
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