Benjamin Kindel

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