Martin Chromiak and Francesco Pinelli are headed to Ontario, and for the Kings, that’s more housekeeping than a verdict.
Both prospects cleared waivers after Los Angeles placed them on Sept. 24 for the purpose of assigning them to the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League. It’s the kind of move that comes with roster cutdowns every year as teams get closer to opening night, and with the Kings’ home opener against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 6, the front office had to start sorting out the final picture. Chromiak, Pinelli, Cole Guttman, Lane Pederson and Joe Hicketts were all put on waivers as part of that process.
For Chromiak and Pinelli, clearing waivers simply means the Kings can send them to the AHL without another team claiming them during the 24-hour window. It does not mean Los Angeles is done with either player. It just means they’re likely to begin the season where they’ve spent plenty of time developing already.
Chromiak, 24, is coming off his best AHL season. He led the Reign with 28 goals and finished with 28 assists for 56 points in 71 games.
Los Angeles rewarded him in June with a one-year, two-way contract extension, and he showed enough in camp and preseason to keep himself in the conversation. His speed and offensive instincts stood out, especially around the net, and he scored a goal in the preseason.
Chromiak also said he used the offseason to get on the ice more so he could keep getting stronger and faster, and that work showed up in camp, where he looked more confident with the puck.
Pinelli’s path looks familiar in a different way. The Kings took him in the second round, 42nd overall, in the 2021 NHL Draft, and he has continued his development with Ontario.
Last season, he played 65 games for the Reign and posted 14 goals and 21 assists for 35 points. He also signed a one-year, two-way contract extension in June, a deal that carries an $850,000 average annual value at the NHL level.
For both players, the assignment to Ontario is only the start of the next step. NHL chances can still open up as the season goes along.
Injuries, roster changes and strong play can all create openings in Los Angeles. Chromiak’s calling card is offense, and if he keeps scoring in the AHL, he’ll keep pushing for another look.
Pinelli, meanwhile, will be trying to show more consistency after several seasons with the Reign. With young forwards battling for spots, both will need to make their time in Ontario count.
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