Impact of the Kings’ Pinelli & Chromiak Clearing Waivers

Los Angeles Kings prospects Martin Chromiak, Francesco Pinelli, Cole Guttman, Lane Pederson, and Joe Hicketts were placed on waivers on Sept. 24 for the purpose of being assigned to the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League (AHL). This is a typical part of the roster-cutting process as teams get closer to the start of the regular season. With the Kings’ home opener against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 6, they had to make some moves to finalize their opening-night roster. With that in mind, here’s what this means for the Kings and, more specifically, what clearing waivers means for Chromiak and Pinelli.

Why They Were Placed on Waivers

When an NHL team wants to send a player who is no longer waiver-exempt to the AHL, that player has to go through the waiver process. This allows the other 31 NHL teams to claim the player. There’s a 24-hour waiver period for teams to submit a claim. If nobody puts in a claim, then they clear waivers and can be assigned to the AHL. That is the situation the Kings were facing with Chromiak and Pinelli.

The Kings currently have 23 players on their roster following the Sept. 24 moves, including 13 forwards, eight defensemen and two goaltenders. With opening night approaching, the team needed to make some tough roster decisions before finalizing its lineup. Placing Chromiak and Pinelli, among others, on waivers does not mean the Kings are giving up on either player. It is simply part of the process of trimming the roster and determining where players will begin the season.

The Value Chromiak Brings

Chromiak enters the 2026-27 season with another opportunity to prove himself within the Kings organization. The 24-year-old forward signed a one-year, two-way contract extension with Los Angeles in June, giving him another chance to continue developing with the organization. Last season, Chromiak had his best AHL season to date, leading the Reign with 28 goals and adding 28 assists for 56 points in 71 games.

At training camp, Chromiak stood out with his speed and offensive ability, and he looked comfortable creating chances around the net. He also carried that play into the preseason, scoring a goal and showing why he remains an intriguing forward in the organization. He mentioned he used the offseason to get on the ice more as he can continue getting stronger and faster. That extra work was noticeable at camp, where he looked more confident and comfortable with the puck.

Pinelli Has Another Opportunity in Ontario

Pinelli is in a somewhat similar position. The Kings selected him in the second round, 42nd overall, in the 2021 NHL Draft. He has also spent the last several seasons developing with the Reign. In 2025-26, Pinelli played 65 games for Ontario and recorded 14 goals and 21 assists for 35 points. The Kings also signed him to a one-year, two-way contract extension in June. The deal carries an $850,000 average annual value at the NHL level.

What Are Their Chances at the NHL Level?

Clearing waivers allows Chromiak and Pinelli to begin the season with the Reign, but it does not mean their NHL opportunities are over. Players can move between the AHL and NHL throughout the season, and injuries, roster needs and strong play can all lead to a call-up to Los Angeles.

For Chromiak, continuing to produce offensively will be important. He has already shown that he can score at the AHL level, so building on that production while continuing to improve his overall game could help him earn another opportunity with the Kings. For Pinelli, consistency will also be important. He has spent multiple seasons with the Reign and will have another chance to show how much his game has developed. With several young forwards competing for NHL opportunities, both players will have to make the most of their time in Ontario and stay ready if the Kings come calling.