Kyle Garcia 
With training camp just around the corner, we are previewing each player on the LA Kings roster. Up next: Francesco Pinelli!
Francesco Pinelli
Birthdate: April 11, 2003
Birthplace: Stoney Creek, Ontario
Height: 6’0
Weight: 190 lbs
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Draft: 2nd round, 42nd overall, 2021 NHL Draft
*NOTE: Starting August 23rd, my Mom picked the order of the training camp player previews for the Reign players because I couldn’t figure out what order to do them in. So, I asked for her assistance. Today, she chose Francesco Pinelli!
2025-26 season
Francesco Pinelli, 23, finished his third season with the Ontario Reign and recorded 14 goals and 21 assists in 65 games. The former second-round pick played at center and wing on the second and third line at 5v5 and spent time on both the power play and penalty kill.
Franky got that fire in him!!😤🔥#ReignTrain | #TUCvsONT pic.twitter.com/KSmqdW0nrl
— Ontario Reign (@ontarioreign) October 11, 2025
SCORELESS NO MORE THANX TO CESCO!!! pic.twitter.com/5pucacgIKO
— Ontario Reign (@ontarioreign) March 26, 2026
Pinelli missed seven games with an injury, and his point total slightly increased, but I thought he played with more intensity. Like the previous year, he played well in spurts offensively but didn’t string together consistent stretches and be a factor. However, his defense improved, earning him trusted minutes in crucial moments.
CESCO WITH THE ONE TIMER!#ReignTrain I #CVvsONT pic.twitter.com/7bHYAwr1R7
— x-Ontario Reign (@ontarioreign) April 11, 2026
CESCOOOOO!!!#ReignTrain I #CVvsONT pic.twitter.com/Xbt6oqiCtE
— x-Ontario Reign (@ontarioreign) May 2, 2026
2026-27 outlook
Pinelli re-signed a one-year, two-way NHL contract with the Kings this summer to return to the organization for his fourth professional season. There isn’t a spot for him on the Kings, so he will find his way to Ontario and will need to pass waivers to do so.
Pinelli finds himself in a spot where it’s time to show up. If he makes the NHL, it’s looking like a third-line forward, but is he part of the Kings’ future? Two seasons ago, Martin Chromiak, his former linemate, was in a similar position. Chromiak seemed to be destined to fall out of favor, but resurrected himself in the final month of the 2024-25 season and earned himself a second opportunity, in which he led the Reign in goals and points. Due to his play, Chromiak put himself back in the potential call-up scenario.
I’m not saying Pinelli will do the same, but he has to improve his offensive production and game. He can skate well east to west with good vision, but at some point the production has to follow. He looked like a second-round steal four years ago; now he’s on the bubble, with his future as an NHLer in the Kings organization in limbo.
Featured image credit: Megan Sanders/Ontario Reign