Declan Chisholm Stats: A Comprehensive Look at the Young Defenseman
Declan Chisholm has quickly become one of the most talked‑about prospects in the New Jersey Devils organization. Born in 2004 in Oakville, Ontario, the 6‑foot‑2‑inch, 190‑pound defenseman combines size, skating ability, and a hockey‑IQ that belies his age. Fans and analysts alike keep a close eye on his statistical output, both at the junior level and in his early professional career, to gauge how his game may translate to the National Hockey League.
Junior Career Overview
Chisholm spent the bulk of his junior career with the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Over four seasons, he demonstrated steady offensive growth while maintaining a responsible defensive presence.
- 2019‑20 (rookie season): 58 games, 2 goals, 7 assists, 9 points, +5 plus/minus, 28 penalty minutes.
- 2020‑21 (COVID‑shortened season): 44 games, 3 goals, 12 assists, 15 points, +8 plus/minus, 22 penalty minutes.
- 2021‑22 (breakout year): 68 games, 9 goals, 28 assists, 37 points, +12 plus/minus, 34 penalty minutes.
- 2022‑23 (final junior season): 66 games, 11 goals, 30 assists, 41 points, +15 plus/minus, 30 penalty minutes.
Across his OHL tenure, Chisholm posted a career‑high 41 points in his final season, a notable achievement for a defenseman whose primary role was to shut down opposing forwards. His plus/minus rating consistently improved, indicating an ability to contribute positively at even strength.
Draft Position and Entry‑Level Contract
The New Jersey Devils selected Declan Chisholm in the second round, 45th overall, of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The Devils praised his “smooth transition game” and “strong positional sense,” qualities that aligned with the organization’s emphasis on puck‑moving defensemen. Shortly after the draft, Chisholm signed a three‑year entry‑level contract, cementing his path toward the NHL.
Professional Statistics to Date
After completing his junior eligibility, Chisholm joined the Devils’ AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, for the 2023‑24 season. His first full professional campaign provided a clear snapshot of his adaptation to the faster, more physical North American game.
- 2023‑24 (AHL): 71 games, 5 goals, 22 assists, 27 points, +9 plus/minus, 48 penalty minutes, 1.12 points per 60 minutes.
- 2024‑25 (NHL debut): 12 games with the New Jersey Devils, 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point, +2 plus/minus, 6 penalty minutes.
In his rookie AHL season, Chisholm’s 27 points placed him among the top ten rookie defensemen in the league. His average ice time hovered around 18 minutes per game, with frequent deployments on the power play, reflecting the coaching staff’s confidence in his offensive instincts.
Key Statistical Trends
When evaluating Chisholm’s development, several trends emerge from his statistical record:
- Increasing point production: From 9 points in his first OHL season to 41 points in his final year, Chisholm showed a clear upward trajectory in offensive output.
- Positive plus/minus evolution: A steady rise from +5 to +15 in junior play, followed by a +9 rating in his AHL debut, suggests effective defensive positioning.
- Special‑team contributions: Both at the junior and AHL levels, he logged significant power‑play minutes, often quarterbacking the first unit and contributing to his team’s scoring chances.
- Discipline: While his penalty minutes increased modestly as he took on larger roles, they remain within a reasonable range for a physical defenseman, indicating growing maturity.
Playing Style Reflected in the Numbers
Chisholm’s stats are more than just numbers; they illustrate the type of player he is on the ice. His modest goal totals are offset by a higher assist count, confirming his preference for setting up teammates rather than finishing plays himself. The plus/minus figures, while not a perfect metric, reinforce his reliability
