Penguins first-round pick Ben Kindel signed with Pittsburgh on a three-year, entry-level deal, the team announced on Tuesday.
The signing comes shortly after the 18-year-old told the media he wants to get to the NHL as soon as possible. Kindel could go back to the Western Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen or play in the NHL in the 2025-26 season.
Kindel was one of 13 picks the Penguins made during the 2025 draft, being drafted at No. 11 in the first round, before Pittsburgh’s other top picks, Bill Zonnon and Will Horcoff.
The 5-foot-11, 180-pound forward recorded 35 goals and 99 points in 65 games during the WHL season. Kindel led his team in assists and ranked second in goals and points. He also ranked seventh among the entire league in points, being named to the WHL Eastern Conference First All-Star Team.
In the playoffs, he led the Hitmen with 15 points on eight goals and seven assists in 11 playoff games.
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On top of his accomplishments in the WHL, he represented Team Canada at the 2025 World Under-18 Championship and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, winning the gold medal at both tournaments.
More NHL: First-Round Pick Ben Kindel Eager to Join Penguins Quickly
Featured image via Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images