Francesco Pinelli Needs More Offense & Consistency to Make the LA Kings Roster – The Hockey Writers – Los Angeles Kings

Every NHL organization faces the challenge of developing its prospects, and each player’s path to the league is different. While Francesco Pinelli found success in junior hockey with the Kitchener Rangers, he has needed additional time to adjust to the professional level with the Ontario Reign. Now entering his fourth season in the Kings’ organization as a prospect, the big question is whether he’s ready to take the next step and earn an NHL opportunity.

What It’ll Take for Him to Move Up

The 6-foot Canadian was selected 42nd overall by the Kings in the 2021 NHL Draft after a strong junior career with the Kitchener Rangers. Pinelli was named to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) First All-Rookie Team in 2020–21 and quickly became one of the league’s top young forwards, showcasing his offensive ability, hockey IQ, and playmaking skills. He followed that up with a breakout 2022–23 season, recording 41 goals and 49 assists for 90 points in 60 games. Pinelli has developed into a mature and intelligent forward whose game fits the demands of today’s NHL. For the Kings, patience has paid off with several prospects in recent years, and he appears to be following that same path. 

What will determine whether Pinelli takes the next step is his ability to force the Kings’ hand. He’ll need to continue adding strength to handle the physical demands of the NHL while showing he can impact every game positively. Consistency will be just as important, as the Kings will want to see him bring the same level of effort and detail every night. The young talent enjoyed a career-best season with the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL during the 2022–23 campaign. In 60 games, he recorded 41 goals and 49 assists for a total of 90 points. If he can build on that, he’ll put himself in a strong position to earn a full-time opportunity.

A Quick Look at His Stats

After dominating the OHL, Pinelli has spent the past three seasons developing with the Ontario Reign in the American Hockey League (AHL). As a rookie in 2023–24, he appeared in 67 games, recording 13 goals and seven assists for 20 points while adjusting to the speed of the professional game. He took a step forward in 2024–25, improving to 15 goals and 14 assists for 29 points in 70 games, showing confidence as a two-way forward. While his numbers haven’t yet matched his junior production, the steady improvement suggests he’s adapting well to the pro level.

In 2025–26, Pinelli took another step forward with the Reign, recording 14 goals and 21 assists for 35 points in 65 games while continuing to develop into a reliable two-way forward. His latest season showed the Kings that he remains a player worth investing in as he works toward reaching the NHL.

Why the 2026–27 Season Is Important

The upcoming season could be the most crucial of Pinelli’s career. After three seasons with the Reign, he’s no longer viewed as a prospect. Instead, he’ll be expected to show that he’s ready to compete for an NHL roster spot. The Kings have built a reputation for being patient with their young players, but they also expect steady development before handing out full opportunities. His development has been gradual, but this season will show if he’s truly ready to take the next step.

One of Pinelli’s biggest strengths is his all-around game. He can be trusted in all three zones and has shown he can contribute offensively when the opportunity is there. Competition, however, will be fierce. The Kings showed they still believe in his potential by signing him to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2026-27 season. The deal gives the 23-year-old another opportunity to continue his development while remaining in the organization’s plans. It also provides the Hamilton native with extra motivation.

The Organization Still Holds Faith

While the contract doesn’t guarantee a roster spot, it signals that Los Angeles still sees value in the 2021 second-round pick and wants to give him every chance to earn a role at the next level. A strong preseason performance, combined with consistent production, could earn Pinelli an early call-up. Once that opportunity arrives, his ability to make an immediate impact will likely determine whether he stays with the Kings or returns to Ontario for additional development. Los Angeles has several young forwards pushing for full-time spots on the roster, meaning every opportunity will matter throughout the regular season.