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Selection Of Benjamin Kindel Indicates Kyle Dubas Has Made Difficult Decision on the Penguins' Future
The Penguins used their No. 11 pick on Benjamin Kindel in the 2025 NHL Draft, and according to Josh Yohe, that's an indicator of Kyle Dubas' plans moving forward.
With the No. 11 and 12 picks heading into the 2025 NHL Draft, the Pittsburgh Penguins had the chance to grab a star or two, but in the end they decided to trade one of the picks, using the other on Calgary Hitmen star Ben Kindel.
It was a surprise pick at the time, as many saw Kindel going in the late teens or early 20's, but the Penguins clearly saw something in the 5-foot-10 forward that they liked, enough to reach for him at that selection.
While he's got the talent to be a solid contributor in the NHL, Josh Yohe believes the selection of Kindel indicates the teams plan moving forward, and for Penguins fans, it may mean a few years of rebuilding.
Will any of this year's draft picks be relevant in the Sidney Crosby window?
I will reference my previous answer. Do I think Benjamin Kindel will be an impactful player at the NHL level in the next two years? I do not. Will he perhaps be impactful four years from now? Sure, that's in play, and if Sid is still around at that point, maybe you have something.
I will reference my previous answer. Do I think Benjamin Kindel will be an impactful player at the NHL level in the next two years? I do not. Will he perhaps be impactful four years from now? Sure, that's in play, and if Sid is still around at that point, maybe you have something.
Yohe makes it clear that Kindel likely won't be a contributor in the NHL during captain Sidney Crosby's two-year extension, but after that, there's a chance the team could be competing if Kindel's development goes the way many hope and believe.
While he's undersized, Kindel put up almost 100 points in the 2024/25 WHL season, showing that he can be an explosive scorer with plenty of speed at the next level, but for fans hoping he can take the next step in 1-2 years, they'll need to alter their expectations.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 9 | 104 ANSWERS Selection Of Benjamin Kindel Indicates Kyle Dubas Has Made Difficult Decision on the Penguins' Future Will Ben Kindel make the NHL in the next three years? | ||
| Yes | 81 | 77.9 % |
| No | 23 | 22.1 % |
| List of polls | ||