The Los Angeles Kings are the latest focus of our NHL prospect pool overview series. Tony Ferrari digs into the Kings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings]’ strengths and weaknesses, latest draft class, positional depth chart, next player in line for an NHL opportunity and more. A player who no longer holds rookie eligibility in the NHL is considered graduated and no longer a prospect for these exercises, with few exceptions. INITIAL THOUGHTS The Kings' once-admired prospect pool has taken a few hits in recent years. They are an example of just how fickle prospect development can be. They’ve become a bit of a cautionary tale for people who rely on the promise of tomorrow because sometimes, tomorrow never materializes. Whether it’s players who never make it to the next level or guys who settle into roles lower in the lineup than expected, development isn’t linear, and a plethora of prospects doesn’t guarantee future success. That said, the Kings have had success with past prospects. Quinton Byfield [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/kings-quinton-byfield-shows-the-value-of-nhl-teams-being-patient-with-a-slow-burning-youngster] is just 22, and he’s becoming one of the most entertaining players in the game. Brandt Clarke is just scratching the surface of what he can be in the NHL. Alex Laferriere [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings/latest-news/overshadowed-and-undervalued-the-contract-no-one-s-talking-about] and Samuel Helenius have become legitimate NHL options. Alex Turcotte and Akil Thomas may not be the players the team once hoped, but they are good NHLers. Turcotte still might even have another level. When it comes to their current pipeline, right winger Liam Greentree [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings/latest-news/greentree-has-outgrown-windsor-and-the-ohl] is the prize prospect. There aren’t many players in junior hockey who can make plays with defenders on their back or play through contact. Greentree is a 6-foot-3, 215-pound power forward with incredible vision and the softest hands as a passer. Whether there is pressure on him or not, Greentree can fire bullets through traffic or feather a saucer pass over a defender's stick. His skating is improving, but he will never be a burner. Greentree is a tactician who generates offense at a high level. The Kings have waited for Francesco Pinelli to pop off for a couple of years now, but he’s struggled in the AHL [https://thehockeynews.com/ahl], with 29 points in 70 games this past season. Pinelli’s game is built around his intelligence and play-reading ability. He’s a step ahead of defenders and possesses the dual-threat scoring ability to take advantage of that, regardless of what is put in front of him. He must take a step and become an effective AHL player if he wants to remain a player worth tracking for Kings fans. Martin Chromiak [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings/latest-news/la-kings-ink-martin-chromiak-on-a-one-year-deal] sits in a similar boat, but he’s had a bit more success in the AHL, with 39 points in 69 games this past season. He plays a very steady game, constantly looking to complement and play off his linemates. He doesn’t need to be the main guy on his line. He can settle into whatever role he needs to play, whether he’s the triggerman or the set-up guy. Chromiak can likely play some NHL games this year, but whether he can adapt and play a bottom-six role will affect his chances of sticking in The Show. While he doesn’t have high-end upside on offense, Koehn Ziemmer is a right winger with a heavy shot who loves to throw heavy hits as well. Whether he’s inviting contact and throwing reverse hits or battling in the corners to come out with the puck, Ziemmer has “bottom-six nuisance” all over him. He has a good enough shot that there is a chance he scores 20 goals at the NHL level as well. His first full AHL season will be fun to watch. On the blueline, the Kings have drafted, developed and traded quite a few of their prospects, and that’s left them a little barren on the back end. Jakub Dvorak [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings/community/players/jakub-dvoraks-development-has-been-slow-but-steady] is a big, physical defender who played his rookie season in the AHL this past year and looked better than his four points and minus-8 rating would imply. He isn’t much of a puck-mover, but he kills play, uses his full 6-foot-5 frame to shut things down with his stick and with his body. He is simple, but he can be very effective. This will be Kirill Kirsanov [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings/latest-news/kings-sign-kirill-kirsanov]’s first season in North America, so it will be interesting to see how his game translates. He’s got some size and physical presence. He’s a good skater as well. He knows how to get the puck up ice, and he gets involved in the rush at times. When Kirsanov is in his own end, he tries to close out and engage as much as he can, but he can get a bit too eager. Playing within a more structured system in the AHL could really help his game. U-23 PLAYERS LIKELY TO PLAY NHL GAMES THIS SEASON Brandt Clarke (D), Samuel Helenius (C/W), Martin Chromiak (LW/RW), Quinton Byfield (C/LW) Henry Brzustewicz and Gary Bettman (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/b5143677-fc44-4698-823d-8face7ad6eda.jpeg] Henry Brzustewicz and Gary Bettman (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) 2025 NHL DRAFT CLASS Round 1, 31st overall - Henry Brzustewicz, D, London (OHL [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl]) Round 2, 59th overall - Vojtech Cihar, LW, Karlovy Vary (Cze. [https://thehockeynews.com/international]) Round 3, 88th overall - Kristian Epperson, LW, Saginaw (OHL) Round 4, 120th overall - Caeden Herrington, D, Lincoln (USHL [https://thehockeynews.com/ushl]) Round 4, 125th overall - Jimmy Lombardi, C, Flint (OHL) Round 5, 152nd overall - Petteri Rimpinen, G, Kiekko-Espoo (Fin.) Round 6, 184th overall - Jan Chovan, C, Tappara Jr. (Fin.) Round 7, 196th overall - Brendan McMorrow, C, Waterloo (USHL) Round 7, 216th overall - Will Sharpe, D, Kelowna (WHL [https://thehockeynews.com/whl]) The Kings had a big draft class, with nine total picks. This allowed them to add solid players to their pipeline right at a time when Los Angeles’ prospect pool needed them. At the tail end of the first round, the Kings added one of the more intriguing prospects in the class, Henry Brzustewicz [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/players/kings-select-michigan-born-henry-brzustewicz-with-31st-overall-pick]. He has some fascinating offensive tools as a playmaker. He moves fairly well, especially when on the attack. Brzustewicz also has some really nice creativity, which allowed him to make an impact as a draft eligible on a loaded London Knights squad. His defensive game is a bit of a concern, especially when the puck is in the tough areas along the boards or down low. In space, he can be exposed a bit by quicker forwards who like to go east-west. There’s some nice upside, but he needs work. Vojtech Cihar is a raw prospect with some nice mobility. He’s been fairly noticeable when playing for Czechia at international tournaments. He’s a depth player at the pro level who can outwork opponents on the forecheck and on the backcheck. Cihar is a safe pick, and he could be a solid third-liner one day. The Kings took overage left winger Kristian Epperson [https://thehockeynews.com/ncaa/latest-news/kristian-epperson-commits-to-denver], who played with San Jose's second overall pick, Michael Misa. He was consistently the “Robin” to Misa’s “Batman,” and just like the comic book sidekick, Epperson found ways to provide value. His lone OHL season was quite impressive, as he demonstrated some slick skills and passing ability. He’s committed to the University of Denver, where he can get stronger and faster, which should help address some of his pace issues. Epperson will be a solid complementary offensive player as a pro if he can increase his pace. Another overage draft pick, Caeden Herrington [https://thehockeynews.com/ushl/players/every-ushl-player-in-the-2025-nhl-draft-2] has some physical tools and joins the play. But he isn’t the most fluid skater, which holds him back. He is an incomplete picture at the moment, but after a couple of years at the University of Vermont, he could become an interesting two-way defender. Jimmy Lombardi [https://thehockeynews.com/ncaa/latest-news/jimmy-lombardi-commits-to-michigan] is a ball of clay waiting for the right organization to mold him. He has some really enticing skills with the puck, some really creative passing and a very good shot. When Lombardi can dictate play at times, but he seemed tentative occasionally. He’s very intelligent on the defensive side and is the rare prospect who projects as a potential center later in the draft. Lombardi is a really nice upside pick for the Kings. In the fifth round, the Kings nabbed goalie Petteri Rimpinen [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/finnish-silver-medal-goalie-petteri-rimpinen-you-get-the-feeling-youve-done-everything-you-could-and-that-helps], who was arguably the most valuable player to his team at the World Junior Championship. He carried a lackluster roster to the final before losing to the powerhouse Americans. Rimpinen’s standout performances weren’t isolated to international play, though, as he was stellar in the Liiga against the top competition in Finland. He’s an overage prospect, but he was one of the top goalies in the draft regardless of age. There was some hype about Jan Chovan coming into his draft year, but it died down after he didn’t blow anyone away at the Finnish junior level. Chovan showed some solid defensive ability, but his offensive tools were simple and even ineffective at times. He didn’t seem to find a way to bridge his power and skill, which left him trying to figure out what he was. He’s going to the OHL next season, so hopefully he can find some offensive touch in the more structured North American game. Brendan McMorrow [https://thehockeynews.com/ushl/latest-news/black-hawks-announce-team-awards-for-2024-25-season] showed some nice speed and energy this past season with the United States League’s Waterloo Black Hawks. He found ways to score 24 goals, but he faded in and out. He could be a solid energy line guy who crashes the net and creates havoc. Taking this kind of swing late makes a ton of sense for the Kings. Will Sharpe [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/players/2025-nhl-draft-steals-and-snubs-from-the-whl]’s tools on defense are certainly worth the bet. Quite honestly, I was expecting him to go a little earlier in the draft. When he’s on his game, Sharpe will make plays at both ends of the ice, throwing some big hits and firing crisp passes. His defensive consistency and engagement were issues at times, but he still showed enough in his own end to believe they could improve. In the offensive zone, he moves the puck and shows some creative thinking. Carter George (Rob Gray-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/bf8c92fd-ac6c-4348-b2c7-ca181c1381fc.jpeg] Carter George (Rob Gray-Imagn Images) STRENGTHS The Kings' pipeline in net is pretty impressive, and that's on top of 24-year-old Erik Portillo being AHL Ontario's backup for a couple of years now and playing his first NHL game [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings/game-day/breaking-down-portillos-excellent-nhl-debut] this past season. Carter George [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings/latest-news/la-kings-prospect-carter-george-re-assigned-to-the-ontario-reign] is one of the most interesting goalie prospects in hockey, putting up outstanding numbers wherever he goes. He was Canada’s best player at the world juniors and posted a .936 save percentage despite being an 18-year-old playing behind one of the most uninspiring U-20 Canadian rosters we’ve seen in quite some time. George had a two-game stint in the AHL to finish his season, allowing just one goal. Rimpinen was maybe the only netminder better than George at the world juniors, leading Finland to a silver medal. The veteran of the group is Hampton Slukynsky, and he might just be the sneakiest great goalie prospect in hockey. We’ll get into that in the Hidden Gem portion below, though. WEAKNESSES For a team that once had one of the best prospect pools in hockey, not that long ago, the holes all over the Kings' pipeline are concerning. They have a couple of decent forwards, and they have managed to build up a solid goalie pipeline, but the defense group is low upside at best. Dvorak, Kirsanov and Salin are fine prospects, but they don’t have much upside. The one defender with a bit more upside is a recent draftee, Brzustewicz, who is an offensively gifted player, but he has holes elsewhere. They must add to the back end because some of their NHL defenders are getting a little older and losing their A-game. HIDDEN GEM: HAMPTON SLUKYNSKY, G Slukynsky has been on an impressive run since being drafted 118th overall in 2023. Slukynsky was dominant for the Fargo Force in his draft-plus-one season, helping them win the Clark Cup as USHL champions. [https://thehockeynews.com/ushl/fargos-hampton-slukynsky-named-ushl-goaltender-of-the-year] As a freshman at the University of Western Michigan in 2024-25, he put up excellent numbers to help lead the nation’s most under-the-radar team to the Frozen Four. Once there, Slukynsky was a wall for the Mustangs as they took down two juggernauts, the defending-champion University of Denver and heavily favored Boston University, to capture the NCAA title [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/kookoo-in-kalamazoo-western-michigan-captures-first-ncaa-championship]. All Slukynsky has done since being drafted is win. As the backup at the World Junior Championship this past year, he played in just two round-robin games and came away with a gold medal. Even as the third goalie at the World Championship, where he didn‘t get into a game, Slukynsky came home with a gold medal. Slukynsky might not be the hottest name in the Kings system, but he’s undoubtedly one of their top prospects. Martin Chromiak (Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/e43051f4-39a4-43bd-b303-4895e13496d9.jpeg] Martin Chromiak (Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images) NEXT MAN UP: MARTIN CHROMIAK, RW/LW The Kings don’t have an obvious “Next Man Up.” There’s a chance Greentree ends up getting a chance in the NHL as he’s racked up over 200 points over the past two seasons in the OHL, and playing there another season might not help that much. Having signed his entry-level contract already, the NCAA route isn’t an option for the 19-year-old. Martin Chromiak might be a call-up option after a decent couple of seasons in the AHL. Chromiak is an excellent complementary player who reads off linemates quite well and fills the gaps. He can function as a playmaker or finisher, help in transition or even use his reads to help on the forecheck. He could be a bottom-six depth scorer. He’s not the fun option or the obvious “Next Man Up,” but he could be the more realistic. PROSPECT DEPTH CHART NOTABLES LW: Vojtech Cihar, Kristian Epperson, Brendan McMorrow C: Francesco Pinelli, Jan Chovan, Jimmy Lombardi, Jack Hughes, Kenny Connors RW: Liam Greentree, Koehn Ziemmer, James Reeder, Martin Chromiak, Jared Wright LD: Jakub Dvorak, Kirill Kirsanov, Angus Booth, Will Sharpe, Jared Woolley RD: Henry Brzustewicz, Otto Salin, Jack Sparkes G: Erik Portillo, Carter George, Petteri Rimpinen, Hampton Slukynsky For a deeper dive into the prospect pool with player rankings, check out the Yearbook and Future Watch editions of The Hockey News in print [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription].
