Pittsburgh Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL or NHLPA
Penguins' 2025 First-Round Pick Poised for NHL Roster Spot, Says Analyst
Tonight, the Pittsburgh Penguins embark on their final preseason game and even before the puck drops one analyst believes Penguins top prospect Ben Kindel has earned a roster spot.
The Pittsburgh Penguins competition for roster spots this preseason has been fierce as several young talents have been looking to prove they deserve an NHL opportunity.
Earlier today, that opportunity to make the Penguins opening night roster ended for six players who were assigned to the AHL.
After these cuts, surprisingly 2025 NHL Draft 11th overall pick Ben Kindel remains with the main club and is expected to be in the Penguins lineup tonight against the Buffalo Sabres.
This will be a massive opportunity for Kindel to show he can hang in the NHL as the Penguins put out essentially an entire NHL roster around him.
Ahead of the game, NHL analyst Josh Yohe has indicated he expects Kindel to get an opportunity to be on the opening night roster regardless of how tonight's game goes.
NHL Analyst Predicts Penguins Top Prospect Ben Kindel Will Make the Opening Night Roster
According to Yohe's latest discussion in an article for The Athletic, he believes Kindel has done enough to earn a regular season opportunity with the Penguins even if he's not entirely NHL ready.
He's blossoming before our eyes. Kindel's creativity with the puck and decision-making are elite.
Do I think he's ready for the NHL? No, I don't. He has the brain to play in the NHL now, and he has the skill level. I just worry about his size. I don't think he's yet equipped to endure the beating of an 82-game season.
Do I think he's ready for the NHL? No, I don't. He has the brain to play in the NHL now, and he has the skill level. I just worry about his size. I don't think he's yet equipped to endure the beating of an 82-game season.
Even Sidney Crosby has noticed Kindel's efforts and spoke about the young prospect's impact on the game.
Despite Yohe's hesitation regarding Kindel's ability to handle an entire season in the NHL it seems a 9 game trial is the most likely outcome for Kindel to reward his impressive preseason play.
Still, a nine-game trial run would be exciting for the fans, and it would be interesting to see how he handled it.
Of course, the decision will ultimately be up to GM Kyle Dubas and new head coach Dan Muse to determine whether or not Kindel is truly ready.
If Kindel doesn't end up making the opening night roster he will head back to the WHL where he will once again play for the Calgary Hitmen.
After tonight's game against Buffalo it will be interesting to see what Muse has to say about Kindel's play and his potential to stick on the Penguins roster.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 3 | 80 ANSWERS Penguins' 2025 First-Round Pick Poised for NHL Roster Spot, Says Analyst Do you believe Ben Kindel will be in the Pittsburgh Penguins opening night lineup? | ||
| Yes | 65 | 81.3 % |
| No | 15 | 18.8 % |
| List of polls | ||