The Pittsburgh Penguins have secured the services of forward Ben Kindel with a three-year, entry-level contract. The announcement was made by Kyle Dubas, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager.
Kindel was selected as the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft last month. Under the NHL-CHL agreement, he is eligible to play for the Penguins in the upcoming season or return to his current team, the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League (WHL).
In his second full season with Calgary during 2024-25, Kindel scored 35 goals and recorded 64 assists over 65 games. His total of 99 points placed him seventh in scoring across the WHL. Notably, Kindel achieved a franchise record for Calgary with a point streak lasting 23 games. His performance earned him a spot on the WHL Eastern Conference First All-Star Team.
During the playoffs, Kindel contributed significantly to Calgary’s efforts by leading his team with 15 points in 11 games.
Over three seasons in the WHL since 2023, Kindel has amassed totals of 50 goals and 109 assists across 134 games.
Hailing from Coquitlam, British Columbia, Kindel represented Team Canada at both the World Under-18 Championship and Hlinka Gretzky Cup last year, winning gold medals at each event.
