Thanks to the 74 readers who submitted ballots in this year’s ranking of Columbus Blue Jackets players and prospects under the age of 25. Over the next month, we will profile the Top 25.
#21 Luca Pinelli
Voting
21st out of 42 eligible players
Writer Rank: 20th
Reader Rank: 20th
Highest Placement: 11th (1 vote)
Most Common Placement: 17th, 18th, 19th, and 22nd (6 votes each)
2023 Rank: Not ranked
Biography
Birthdate: April 5, 2005
Birthplace: Stoney Creek, Ontario
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 168 lbs
Position: C
Shoots: Left
Acquired: Drafted in the 4th round (114 overall) in 2023
2023-24 Season
Despite losing a season of his development to COVID, Luca Pinelli has shown year-to-year progression in his OHL career. The Jackets selected him based on a 29/34/63 season in 67 games in 2022-23, and he improved on that with a 48/34/82 season in 68 games in 2023-24. He also added 5 goals in 10 games in the OHL playofs.
2024-25 Outlook
Pinelli will return to the Ottawa 67’s for a second and final season as captain. Can he improve on the point production from last season, or will his development come in his all-around game? He’s undersized, which raises questions about his potential as a center in the professional levels. That being said, even a 5’9″ player that can score a ton in juniors can find a way to make it in the pros.
Most likely he won’t be a center in the NHL…but the good news is the Blue Jackets won’t need him to be. Will he be good enough to be a middle six winger in 2027-28, after a couple of years in the AHL?