Penguins Rookie Kindel Faces Pivotal Season Decision Ahead of NHL Games

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pittsburgh Penguins are at a crucial junction with rookie forward Ben Kindel as the NHL season unfolds. Chosen 11th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, the 18-year-old is currently playing alongside Tommy Novak and Filip Hallander on the bottom line, gathering just one goal and no assists in six games.

In contrast, fellow rookie Ville Koivunen is with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton team, where he can gain essential top-six experience. Historically, the Penguins have faced challenges with developing young talent, as illustrated by Aleksey Morozov, who struggled to find success in his early years with the team due to positioning issues.

Morozov, drafted in 1995, had a promising skill set but often played in a style that diluted his offensive capabilities, resulting in only 84 goals over seven NHL seasons. Penguins management reflects on past mistakes, and Kindel represents a new opportunity to avoid repeating them.

As per NHL rules, 18- and 19-year-olds such as Kindel must either stay in the NHL beyond nine games or return to their Major Junior teams. This presents the Penguins with a tough decision soon, particularly considering Kindel’s limited opportunities to shine in his current role.

Analysts posit that for Kindel to maximize his potential, he should be placed with better players, especially in power-play situations. Kindel’s skill on the power play could greatly benefit his development, offering him a chance to showcase his abilities in high-pressure situations.

The Penguins’ early season success, holding a 5-2-0 record, is encouraging but does not overshadow the necessity for productive player development. General Manager Ron Hextall and Coach Mike Sullivan will be weighing these considerations as the season progresses.

Ultimately, a short-term strategy may involve temporarily pairing Kindel with veteran Sidney Crosby to ignite a spark. Crosby’s ability to mentor young talent could unlock Kindel’s creativity and performance. This tactical move is something worth exploring before any long-term decisions on Kindel’s playing path are made.