LA Kings: Martin Chromiak pegged ‘best value pick’ in draft

Drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL Draft, ESPN tabbed LA Kings’ Martin Chromiak as a best value pick.

As one of the more underrated players in the 2020 NHL Draft, the LA Kings may have uncovered a hidden gem in fifth-round pick Martin Chromiak. The Ilava, Slovakia native stands at 6-foot-0, 181 pounds. He scored 5 goals with 1 assist for 6 points in 32 games for HK Dukla Trencin before transitioning to North America last year, playing for the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL.

In approximately half a season, Chromiak scored 11 goals with 22 assists in 28 games. He also tallied 5 goals with 10 assists in 14 games for the Slovakia U20 team in international play. Had he made the transition sooner, there’s no question Chromiak would have gone much higher.

And it would seem I’m not alone in that notion. Chris Peters of ESPN ($) put together a list of players he felt were the best value in each round. To no surprise, he had Cole Perfetti as the first round’s option, who fell to number ten. But he also has Chromiak as the guy for the fifth round.

Peters had Chromiak ranked as the 45th best prospect in the draft class, noting the late transition to the North American rink playing a factor. He also indicated a few areas of the 18-year-old’s game need to be cleaned up, but Chromiak gives the Kings another offensive weapon in their already fruitful prospect pool.

Here’s Elite Prospect’s scouting report:

"“Chromiak’s offensive skill is obvious — he owns an above-average shot and passing skills. With power and crafty placement, his one-timer is a legit weapon from range. Deft backhand passes through layers, and slip passes make him a set-up threat from anywhere.”"

Chromiak will begin the 2020-2021 season with Kingston. And for what it’s worth, NHL.com sees his pro comparison as Sam Reinhart, who scored 22 goals with 28 assists for Buffalo last year.
He will be one of the most intriguing new prospects to keep tabs on.