Penguins Reportedly Make Decision On Ben Kindel’s Future

The Pittsburgh Penguins have reportedly made a decision on the future of rookie forward Ben Kindel.

Kindel’s name has come up as potentially being loaned to Team Canada for the 2026 World Juniors starting on Dec. 26 in Minnesota. However, Penguins insider Josh Yohe of The Athletic reported on Sunday night that Pittsburgh won’t loan Kindel to Team Canada, despite some earlier reports saying they might.

“Contrary to what you may have seen today, Ben Kindel won’t be playing in World Junior tourney,” Yohe wrote on X on Sunday. “He’s in Pittsburgh to stay. I would expect Harrison Brunicke to play for Team Canada.”

The Penguins selected Kindel 11th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, and he has been an impact player for Pittsburgh. He’s skated in 24 games, recording seven goals and three assists for 10 points. He’s currently centering the third line with Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen.

Although the Penguins won’t send Kindel down to the World Juniors, Yohe expects the team to loan Brunicke. The defenseman will play a key role for Team Canada.

Brunicke has skated in nine games this season for the Penguins, recording one goal. Pittsburgh selected Brunicke in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft.

Pittsburgh, meanwhile, will return to the ice on Tuesday at home against the Anaheim Ducks. The Penguins are coming off a 3-2 shootout loss to the Dallas Stars on Sunday.

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