Ben Chiarot
A rugged defenseman who brings toughness and stability to the Red Wings blue line.
Ben Chiarot is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League. Born on May 9, 1991, in Hamilton, Ontario, he was selected 120th overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in the fourth round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Before arriving in Detroit, Chiarot played for the Winnipeg Jets, Montreal Canadiens, and Florida Panthers. He signed a four-year, $19 million contract with the Red Wings on July 13, 2022, establishing himself as a core piece of the franchise's defensive identity.
- position
- Defenceman
- shoots
- Left
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Chiarot's path to Detroit began in Hamilton, where his grandfather Gord played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and BC Lions. Although football ran in the family, his father refused to let him play, steering him toward ice hockey instead. After a standout junior career with the Guelph Storm, Sudbury Wolves, and Saginaw Spirit, he made his professional debut with the St. John's IceCaps during the 2011–12 season. His first NHL goal came on January 3, 2015, in a 5-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. During his time with the Montreal Canadiens, Chiarot led the team in ice time during their deep run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals, where they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He noted, "getting to the Finals is the pinnacle of what hockey is when you're playing for the Stanley Cup and it's down to two teams." Later, while with the Florida Panthers, he was fined for head-butting Ross Colton in Game 1 of their second-round series against the Lightning.
In Their Own Story
On March 16, 2022, a pivotal moment occurred when the Canadiens traded Chiarot to the Florida Panthers. The deal included prospect Tyler Smilanic, a 2023 first-round pick, and a 2022 fourth-round pick. Unusually, Chiarot remained in Montreal rather than joining the team on the road immediately, making his debut against his former club on March 24. He recorded an assist in that game, helping secure a 4–3 Panthers victory. Just over three months later, on July 13, 2022, he signed a four-year, $19 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings. His tenure in Detroit saw a historic moment on January 29th, 2026, when he scored a goal that put teammate Patrick Kane first on the all-time point list by an American-born player. This milestone came only one day after Chiarot signed a three-year extension with the Wings.
Reader's Guide
Chiarot operates as a defenceman known for his physical style and defensive reliability. During his time in Winnipeg, he recorded 22 goals and 64 points in 75 regular season games with the Mississauga IceDogs prior to the OHL Cup. In Montreal, he set personal bests with 9 goals and 12 assists in 69 games during his first season there. His contract history includes a two-year, $1.7 million extension signed by the Jets on June 18, 2015, and a subsequent two-year, $2.8 million deal with an annual average of $1.4 million signed on June 24, 2017. Before his trade from Montreal, he recorded 18 points in 54 games, including a game-tying shorthanded assist against the Philadelphia Flyers on March 13. He sat out the final games before the deadline to avoid injury. With Detroit, his role involves stabilizing the defense and contributing to key offensive moments, as evidenced by his crucial goal for Patrick Kane's record-breaking season.
Did You Know?
- Chiarot was born in Hamilton, Ontario, to parents Tara and Matt Chiarot.
- His grandfather Gord played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and BC Lions of the Canadian Football League.
- He scored his first NHL goal on January 3, 2015, in a 5-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- Chiarot led the Montreal Canadiens in ice time during their run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals.
- On January 29th, 2026, he scored the goal that made Patrick Kane the top American-born point scorer in NHL history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ben Chiarot?
Ben Chiarot is a Canadian professional defenceman for the Detroit Red Wings who was originally drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2009. Before joining Detroit, he gained significant experience playing for the Winnipeg Jets, Montreal Canadiens, and Florida Panthers.
What role does Ben Chiarot play on the team?
Chiarot serves as a rugged, physical presence on the blue line who prioritizes defensive stability and toughness. He shoots left-handed and is relied upon to shut down opposing offenses while providing a steady foundation for his teammates.
How did Ben Chiarot join the Detroit Red Wings?
He officially became a Red Wing after signing a four-year, $19 million contract with the franchise on July 13, 2022. This agreement marked his arrival in Detroit following several seasons with other NHL clubs.
Why is Ben Chiarot important to the Red Wings?
Chiarot is considered a core piece of the team's defensive identity due to his ability to bring necessary grit and reliability to the lineup. His presence helps anchor the defense during critical moments, making him essential to the franchise's current structure.
When was Ben Chiarot born and where is he from?
Born on May 9, 1991, in Hamilton, Ontario, Chiarot began his professional journey before being selected in the fourth round of the NHL Entry Draft. His background as a Canadian player has defined his career path leading up to his tenure with Detroit.