Kings draft Francesco Pinelli 42nd overall

The Los Angeles Kings drafted forward Francesco Pinelli with the 42nd overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft after trading the 49th and 136th picks to the Ottawa Senators.

Francesco Pinelli

Position: Center
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 185 lbs
Age: 18
Club: Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Nationality: Canadian

*stats from 2019-20 season (Stats source: EliteProspects.com)

Pinelli had the pandemic wipe out his most recent OHL season, but he put up 11 points in 13 games while on loan in Slovenia and put together a strong showing for Canada at the U-18's with 11 points in seven contests en route to capturing a gold medal.

The 18-year-old forward entered the draft as Central Scouting's 15th-ranked North American skater.

What they're saying

"Pinelli is a highly intelligent player who can make tough plays consistently. He has the small-area skills to make checkers miss and the vision to make plays off the flank and under pressure. He competes well enough to win puck battles even if he’s not overly physical. His skating is elusive, with a decent first step and ability to 10-2 around defenders, but he lacks separation speed," said Corey Pronman in his final prospect rankings for The Athletic.

"In a sentence, Pinelli projects as a middle-six NHL forward who may frustrate a coach if he doesn’t score," Pronman added.

Highlights