Benjamin Kindel

July 2025 – Kindel has signed his entry-level contract with the Penguins, meaning, in all likelihood, he will be going back to the Calgary Hitmen next year. After being selected eleventh overall by Pittsburgh, many thought Kindel’s selection was a reach, but there is a real and fair chance that Kindel outperforms his slot. Players with hockey IQ on par with Kindel are few and far between, and it shows as he dissects defenses to make passes only he can see coming. Kindel and the Hitmen will be without Oliver Tulk (the only player with more points than Kindel) next year, and it will put more load on Kindel to perform without another elite WHL talent alongside him. While the size is suspect, there is little reason for Kindel not to improve next year against junior competition before making the jump to professional play in his D+2. James Connelly

June 2025 – Selected at eleventh overall, Benjamin Kindel is now a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Alex Wyatt

Final Rankings – Kindel’s a player who I liked last year and loved this season. I was probably fair to question a sub-6-foot player without high-end tools, but I’ve come around to seeing Kindel as a potential top-sixer.

Though one of the highest-scoring WHLers, Kindel doesn’t project as a big point-getter, but his innate awareness and understanding of the game help him consistently move play in the right direction. He supports transition through all three zones, extends OZ sequences through wall-play and heady passing, and seems to always get to his spots, right on-time.

Kindel projects as a second-line winger who can play in all-situations and elevate the play of whoever he lines up next to.—Luke Sweeney

January 2025- Ben Kindel has been a revelation this year out of the WHL, asserting himself as one of the draft’s smartest players. Kindel pre-scans his decisions, runs effective routes, and positions himself inside lanes with terrific poise. He has some great defensive moments with excellent timing and a sneaky stick. Kindel uses his IQ to create offence for his teammates, delivering pucks between coverage for scoring chances. The pace he’s producing at is outstanding considering his meticulous 2-way approach. Kindel has the skating, puck skills, and brain for the NHL level and a limitless ceiling. He is a bit undersized but that shouldn’t hinder his chances at a top-20 selection in June. Whittaker Heart