The Los Angeles Kings prospect pool has a load of talent, one of the best prospect pools in hockey. Plenty of players to talk about but one player, forward Francesco Pinelli, does not get enough attention. Pinelli, a 6-foot-0 and 185-pound center, has all 0f the tools to be successful in his hockey career. One of the better Kings’ prospects in their organization that seems to do everything extremely well.
Pinelli was drafted 42nd overall in the second round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft and has played extremely well since draft day. He has taken tremendous strides in becoming an outstanding player, one that will be wearing a Kings sweater in the near future.
A playmaker first and shooter second, Pinelli has the potential to be a game-breaker with the tremendous speed that comes within his game. His speed allows for odd-man rushes and opportunities in the offensive zone.
Some of his best attributes are his great vision, elite skater, and the fact he can play a regular shift, power play, and penalty kill. He has been a captain, showcasing his leadership skills to go with the 200-foot game he has in his arsenal.
This season for the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL he has registered 13 goals and 20 assists for 33 points and 12 penalty minutes in 31 games played. Those numbers might not seem great but let us remind ourselves there was no OHL season last year and he is still young with plenty of potential.
Pinelli fits nicely in the center depth of the King’s prospects. Behind Quinton Byfield, Alex Turcotte, and Aidan Dudas he has to be the best prospect at the center position. The future is bright for Pinelli, who could make a push to make his pro debut next season with the Ontario Reign of the AHL.
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(photo: espn.com; Emily Kaplan) (photo: rawcharge.com; Lauren Kelly)
