LA Kings Training Camp Preview: Francesco Pinelli

His two most notable hot streaks were his six goals in six games (December 20 – January 3) and his five points in four games (March 7 – March 12). Despite the slow start to the season, Marco Sturm liked the way the 22-year-old centerman skated, became much more involved, and found his way as the season progressed. One of the notable improvements in his game was getting stronger and playing with an edge at times.

He had a brief stint as the Reign’s 1C in March, but spent most of the season in the bottom six as a 3C and was featured on the power play and penalty kill. The second-year pro finished the season with 15 goals and 14 assists for 29 points in 70 games.

2025-26 outlook

Pinelli will be entering the final year of his entry-level contract and his last year of being waiver-exempt. He won’t make the Kings, but a strong training camp and good start to the season in the AHL could make him a candidate for a call-up if needed during the season.

I expect him to see time on the special teams again, as his penalty killing improved during the season. The Reign will have plenty of centermen (rookies and veterans), so the second-line center will be up for grabs. Could this be the year Pinelli snatches a top-six role and runs with it?