Penguins Young Prospect Scores, Fueling Speculation About His Future
Photo credit: Edit from Pittsburgh Hockey Now
Penguins young prospect Ben Kindel scored in last night's preseason game vs. the Red Wings, and his stellar play is raising questions if he can make the team.
Following Monday morning's skate in Pittsburgh, Ben Kindel looked back two weeks to the whirlwind of activity.
The 2025 first-round draft pick had skated alongside Sidney Crosby, made his debut in historic Montreal, and seen Marc-André Fleury retire. The only thing missing was a goal.
That was altered just hours later in Detroit. Kindel scored 3:40 into the Penguins' 2-1 preseason victory over the Red Wings, providing Pittsburgh with its third consecutive victory.
The rookie was joined by Avery Hayes and Ville Koivunen as he drove the play on a jaw-dropping 98.3% expected goals share at 5-on-5, Natural Stat Trick documented.
"It was a good night," Kindel told reporters at the game in Detroit. "I think all the guys on our line were kind of going and clicking, so that helped. We were all reading off each other. We had a few dangerous chances and I think we had a solid game."
Kindel began the play with a breakout pass, then a forceful skate up the ice to accept a pass from Ryan Shea and snap a shot over goaltender John Gibson from the slot. It was his initial point in four preseason games.
Ben Kindel Has Generated the 2nd Most Scoring Chances This Preseason
Despite taking a few high-risk opportunities, including breakaways, without scoring, Kindel's determination paid dividends. Only Anthony Mantha has generated more quality scoring chances for Pittsburgh this preseason.
Kindel's instincts were supplemented by head coach Dan Muse, and his performance has earned him a longer-than-expected stay in camp. While the expectation remains that he will be sent back to junior hockey, the experience has been worthwhile.
For Kindel, putting his first goal in black and gold is beyond just a preseason milestone. It's validation that he has earned the right to be on the NHL ice, and it is no doubt a taste of what's to come.
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