Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Kings may have a new face in the lineup next season, but he is not a new face to the organization. Forward Martin Chromiak has developed into a solid player who could see NHL action in the 2026-27 season.
His development and offensive production have turned him into a nice player.
Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Chromiak was drafted by the Kings in 2020 with the 128th pick. They knew immediately he had potential, but were unsure of his arrival time in the NHL. After several successful seasons with the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League AHL), he may be ready to call Los Angeles home. There may be a spot for him next season, as the Kings have some free agents who are not guaranteed to return.
Chromiak has seen his offensive production rise every season with the Reign. In 2022/23, he totaled 28 points, 32 points in 2023/24, 39 points in 2024/25, and a career-high of 56 points this past season, along with seven game-winning goals. Regardless of whether he sticks, he deserves a long look at training camp next season.
He is the type of player the Kings value, and he could be a vital piece to the lineup.He is a productive offensive player, a solid two-way player, and a feisty player.
He can play anywhere in the lineup and, with the right linemates, could provide the secondary scoring from the bottom six that the team lacked last season. The Kings also need a right-handed shot, which he is.
One thing that could ruin this from happening is that Chromiak does not currently have a contract for next season. The former Kingston Frontenac star from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is now a restricted free agent, but could be brought back in a new deal.
Los Angeles may be kicking themselves if they do not re-sign him, as they have roster issues heading into the 2026/27 season.
Captain Anze Kopitar is retiring. Andrei Kuzmenko, Scott Laughton, Mathieu Joseph, and Jeff Malott are all unresticted free agents.so there could be roster spots for the taking.
With a strong camp, he could put some intense pressure on management to keep him in the lineup for the start of next season.
With the hard work he has put in and his development, he should be given a legitimate chance to make the roster out of training camp.
Tags: 2020 NHL Draft AHL Andrei Kuzmenko Anze Kopitar Jeff Malott LA Kings Los Angeles Kings Martin Chromiak Mathieu Joseph NHL NHL Draft Ontario Reign Reign Scott Laughton
Categorized:Kings