Declan Chisholm: A Statistical Overview

Declan Chisholm has emerged as one of the most promising young defensemen in the National Hockey League. Drafted in the first round, his rapid ascent from junior hockey to the professional ranks has been accompanied by a steady stream of impressive numbers. This article compiles his key statistics, highlights trends in his performance, and offers insight into how his game translates to the NHL.

Early Career and Development

Before reaching the NHL, Chisholm spent three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the London Knights. During his final junior year, he posted a point‑per‑game pace, recording 55 points in 57 games. His offensive instincts, combined with a strong defensive presence, earned him a spot on the OHL First All‑Star Team and a reputation as a two‑way defenseman.

Transitioning to the professional level, Chisholm began the 2022‑23 season with the American Hockey League’s (AHL) affiliate, where he continued to showcase his skill set. In 38 AHL games, he tallied 22 points, including seven goals, while maintaining a +10 plus‑minus rating. Those numbers prompted a call‑up to the NHL midway through the season.

Rookie Season in the NHL

Chisholm’s rookie campaign with the Washington Capitals was marked by steady improvement and adaptability. Below is a breakdown of his regular‑season statistics:

His ATOI rose from 15:1 minutes in his first 20 games to nearly 20 minutes by season’s end, reflecting the coaching staff’s growing confidence in his abilities. On the power‑play, Chisholm contributed to the team’s first‑line unit, delivering a crisp, accurate shot from the point that resulted in several high‑danger chances.

Advanced Metrics

Beyond traditional counting stats, advanced analytics provide a deeper view of Chisholm’s impact on the ice. The following metrics are drawn from the most recent full‑season data set:

  1. Corsi For Percentage (CF%): 52.1% – indicating that the team controlled the puck more often than not when he was on the ice.
  2. Relative Corsi (CF% Rel): +5.4 – a positive differential that shows his presence improves possession compared to his teammates.
  3. Zone Starts (Offensive/Defensive): 58% offensive – coaches trusted him in offensive situations, a sign of his offensive instincts.
  4. Expected Goals For (xGF): 0.78 per 60 minutes – reflecting his ability to generate quality scoring chances.
  5. Defensive Expected Goals Against (xGA): 0.62 per 60 minutes – a respectable figure for a rookie defenseman.

These numbers suggest that Chisholm is not only contributing offensively but also maintaining solid defensive responsibilities. His relative Corsi advantage places him among the top 25% of rookie defensemen in the league.

Comparative Analysis

When measured against other first‑year defensemen, Chisholm’s production stands out. In the 2022‑23 rookie cohort, he ranked:

His ATOI also placed him in the upper tier, surpassing many veterans who saw less ice time. This combination of usage and output underscores his rapid integration into the Capitals’ top‑four defensive group.

Playoff Performance

Although the Capitals missed the postseason in Chisholm’s rookie year, his experience in the AHL playoffs offers a glimpse of his potential under high‑pressure conditions. In 12 AHL playoff games, he recorded 7 points (2 goals, 5 assists) while averaging 21 minutes of ice time. His defensive zone coverage remained strong, and he logged a +4 rating, indicating effective play in tight games.

Strengths and Areas for Growth

Strengths:

Areas for Growth: