The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Ben Kindel to a three-year entry-level contract. The forward from the Calgary Hitmen was picked 11th overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Kindel is the second player from the WHL to be signed this year, joining Lydon Lakovic, who signed with the Washington Capitals on July 5th.
Kindel had a standout 2024-25 season, tallying 99 points in 65 games. He also earned a gold medal representing Canada at the 2025 U18 Championship, scoring seven points in five games. He was the third WHL player chosen in the 2025 draft and one of three WHL players drafted by the Penguins.
Currently, Kindel is expected to return to the WHL for the 2025-26 season, where he is likely to remain a top point scorer. He is also a key player to watch for Canada’s 2026 World Junior Team.
Fan Take: This signing highlights the Penguins’ commitment to nurturing young, homegrown talent from the WHL, which bodes well for the future of their roster. For hockey fans, it’s exciting to see promising players like Kindel developing and potentially becoming the sport’s next big stars.
