Luca Pinelli Set for NHL Debut with Blue Jackets vs. Leafs
The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to make headlines as Luca Pinelli prepares for his NHL debut against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night. Head coach Dean Evason confirmed the news amid some roster changes.
Luca Pinelli’s NHL Debut
Luca Pinelli will take the ice for the first time in the NHL, showcasing his skills after an impressive run in the AHL. The 20-year-old forward hails from Stoney Creek, Ontario, and was drafted by the Blue Jackets in the fourth round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
Player Stats and Background
- Current Team: Columbus Blue Jackets
- Position: Forward
- AHL Affiliation: Cleveland Monsters
- Season Stats: 5 goals, 5 assists (10 points) in 13 games
- OHL Background: 128 goals, 124 assists (252 points) in 246 games with the Ottawa 67’s
- Career High (2023-24): 48 goals, 34 assists (82 points)
Pinelli’s strong AHL performance led to his recall to the NHL team on an emergency basis, following injuries within the Blue Jackets’ roster.
Roster Updates
Coach Evason also noted that Zach Werenski will participate in the matchup against the Leafs, while forward Kirill Marchenko and defenseman Mathieu Olivier will not play due to injuries sustained in a recent game against the Washington Capitals. Additionally, defenseman Brendan Smith will make his debut with the Blue Jackets after recently signing a contract.
- Zach Werenski: IN
- Kirill Marchenko: OUT
- Mathieu Olivier: OUT
- Brendan Smith: IN for debut
Brendan Smith’s Background
Brendan Smith, a 36-year-old defenseman from Mimico, Ontario, signed a one-year, two-way contract with Columbus. He had been playing with Cleveland earlier this season, recording one assist in 11 games. Over his 15-year NHL career, Smith has accumulated 39 goals and 105 assists (144 points) across 726 games for multiple teams, including the Dallas Stars and New York Rangers.
Team Standing
The Blue Jackets currently sit at 11-9-3 with 25 points after 23 games, placing them sixth in the Metropolitan Division. Their goal differential stands at minus-seven.
As Luca Pinelli steps into the spotlight, fans and teammates alike are eager to see how this promising young player will contribute to the team’s efforts against the formidable Maple Leafs.
