The Los Angeles Kings have inked another prospect, signing Martin Chromiak to a three-year entry-level contract. Chromiak was sent back to junior just yesterday but will get a nice going-away present of an NHL contract as he leaves Kings’ training camp. The deal will carry an average annual value of $833,333.
A fifth-round selection in 2020, Chromiak has had an interesting development path over the last few years. During his draft year, he joined the Kingston Frontenacs partway through their season, leaving his club team in Slovakia after registering just six points in 32 games. In the OHL he exploded with 33 points in 28 games, showing that he could dominate similarly-aged opponents. Last season, with the OHL not holding a season, he returned to Slovakia and showed off improved production, racking up 19 points in 32 games. He even played in a pair of AHL contests at the end of the season, though failed to register a point.
Now, with an NHL contract in hand, he’ll return to the junior ranks where he could end up having a monster year. He’s expected to line up beside expected 2022 first-overall pick Shane Wright and if he does, the pair–who were both selected to the OHL’s 2019-20 All-Rookie teams–should be among the most productive lines in the CHL. While that does not guarantee an NHL future, Chromiak is a player to watch even in the Kings’ crowded prospect system.
What’s his ceiling? Can he eventually play 2nd line?
Maybe in Ontario.