Losing Dennis Cholowski Would Be Tough For Bridgeport Islanders

The New York Islanders sent qualifying offers to five of their six pending restricted free agents a few weeks ago. Ruslan Iskhakov elected not to put pen to paper, deciding that going to the KHL made more sense.

Simon Holmstrom inked a one-way, one-year deal instead of his two-way QO, while Tyce Thompson accepted his.

Oliver Wahlstrom elected not to sign, filing for arbitration instead--his case to be brought before an arbitrator on Aug. 1.

But what's the deal with Dennis Cholowski ?

The defenseman was sent a QO, but there's been no word on whether he'll return to Bridgeport or move on.

As mentioned in our article this morning, the Islanders did what should be a fine job in filling the holes certain Bridgeport exportees left behind.

Related: Exodus Of Islanders' AHLers Heading Overseas Is Not A Negative

But losing Cholowski would be a tough pill for Bridgeport to swallow.

The former 20th overall pick by the Detroit Red Wings at the 2016 NHL Draft had a strong second year in Bridgeport.

In 68 games, he scored seven goals with 24 assists for 31 points, playing big minutes.

In his first season in Bridgeport, 2022-23, Cholowski recorded point points (38) in one fewer game (67) but only had one goal with 37 assists.

Now, personnel-wise, the Islanders had a handful of left-shot defensemen in Isaiah George, Calle Odelius, Marshall Warren, and potentially 2024 second-round pick Jesse Pulkkinen, who signed his three-year entry-level deal.

But veteran leadership-wise, losing Cholowski becomes tough, especially with the loss of Paul LaDue and potentially their long-time leader, Seth Helgeson.

Ideally, if there's an injury at the NHL level, Samuel Bolduc, as the team's current seventh defenseman, would get called upon.

Related: How Sebastian Aho's Departure Affects Samuel Bolduc's Role With Islanders

But if another player goes down or Bolduc struggles mightily, a player like George, Odelius, or the handful of other youngster blue-liners in Bridgeport may not be ready for the NHL.

Yes, Grant Hutton, who has NHL experience, could be the first call-up over Cholowski, but Cholowski plays on the power play.

The Islanders dealt with a big loss in Bridgeport that no one talks about when Parker Wotherspoon elected to sign with the Boston Bruins last summer.

Playing big minutes for them during the season--not always at their best--Wotherspoon is a serviceable NHL defenseman and may have been given a chance this past season before the Islanders traded for Robert Bortuzzo.

The Islanders have had five players head overseas this summer, and maybe the hold-up with Cholowski is that he's mulling over his offers.

Having Cholowski will allow the newcomers an opportunity to settle in rather than immediately putting them into high-leverage roles without much if any, professional experience.

Cholowski's last deal was a two-year deal worth $1.53 million, with an AAV of $763,000. The first year of the deal was two-way, with a $200,000 AHL salary, while the second year, he earned $775,000.

The expectation is that Cholowski is looking for a one-way deal, whether it's with the Islanders or somewhere else, after two strong seasons.

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