| HT | WT | DOB | POS | SHOOTS | OHL DRAFT | NHLCS | COUNTRY |
| 5’9 | 165 | Apr 5, 2005 | LW | L | 28th 2021 | 49th N A | CANADA |
| SEASON | LEAGUE | TEAM | GP | G | A | PTS |
| 2020-2021 | DID NOT PLAY | |||||
| 2021-2022 | OHL | Ottawa 67’s | 59 | 14 | 22 | 36 |
| 2022-2023 | OHL | Ottawa 67’s | 60 | 23 | 33 | 59 |
Ottawa 67’s winger Luca Pinelli is the younger brother of Kitchener Rangers Francesco Pinelli. What the younger sibling lacks in size (Francesco has 4 inches on him) he makes up with heart. In his draft year, he’s already matched his older brother’s offensive output, who was drafted 42nd overall by the Los Angeles Kings at the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Pinelli works hard at both ends of the ice. His defensive game – reading, understanding and coverage are all well accomplished. He’s also very good at transitioning to offence. Playing on the league’s best team has helped, along with a boost in confidence.
Pinelli also has some excellent hockey IQ. He reads and reacts quickly in the offensive zone. Despite his size, he has a willingness to get in on the forecheck and uses brains over brawn to come up with the puck. Along with some excellent playmaking skills, Pinelli also has a very good shot. At this level, it’s enough to beat goaltenders.
Along with his size, another issue Pinelli needs to overcome is the lack of explosiveness in his skating. And when you are on the small side like he is, you want to at least have that breakaway speed to skate away from the opposition. If he can add a speed element to his game, then it would give him all the tools to be a play driver.
There’s no doubt in my mind Pinelli will get drafted, and maybe the Kings will bring the brothers together. After all, they like drafting from the OHL. But they will have to work with him and be patient. And he’s going to have to be willing to put the work in.
OHL Writers 