Kings Struggle to Find Footing Early in Season
Los Angeles sits at 4-7-2 through 13 games after a 3-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, with rookie Martin Chromiak making his NHL debut.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Hockey
The Los Angeles Kings are 4-7-2 through their first 13 games of the 2026-27 season, having scored 36 goals and allowed 45. Martin Chromiak made his NHL debut in a 3-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on October 31, 2026, after being called up on October 29.
Why it matters
The Kings have struggled to generate offense and limit chances around the net, ranking 26th in the league with 28.0 shots on goal per game. Chromiak's promotion gives the team a new option as it looks to reverse an uneven start.
Through 13 games the Kings have been outscored 45-36 and rank 26th in the league at 28.0 shots on goal per game. Chromiak arrived after producing six goals and eight points in nine games with the Ontario Reign.
The players
Martin Chromiak
A forward who scored six goals and eight points in nine games with the Ontario Reign before earning his NHL call-up with the Los Angeles Kings.
Artemi Panarin
A veteran winger who skated on the top line with Chromiak in his debut for the Los Angeles Kings.
The details
Chromiak was called up on October 29 and made his debut against Buffalo, where he skated on the top line alongside Artemi Panarin and Alex Laferriere. He swapped places with Adrian Kempe in the lineup as the Kings tried to find more offense.
Timeline
October 29, 2026: Kings call up Martin Chromiak from the Ontario Reign.
October 31, 2026: Chromiak makes his NHL debut in a 3-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.
Season Trajectory
At 4-7-2 after 13 games, the Kings are trying to climb back into the Pacific Division race while their 28.0 shots per game rank 26th in the league. Chromiak's promotion is an early attempt to add offensive pressure before the standings tighten further.
Fantasy managers tracking Chromiak should note his scoring line with the Ontario Reign, though the extraction does not confirm his ongoing role. The Kings' low shot volume is the stat to watch for teams considering trades or waiver-wire pickups involving Los Angeles skaters.
The takeaway
Early-season numbers can shift quickly, and the Kings' shot volume will be the clearest signal of whether Chromiak's arrival changes their offensive direction.
Further reading
Follow the Kings' early-season path in our Hockey coverage for more context on the team's start.
