Ben Kindel, a rising star in the NHL, is gearing up for the 2026-27 season, and his journey thus far has been nothing short of remarkable. The young forward, who made his debut last season, has been working tirelessly in his native Vancouver, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed. While his practice group made headlines for the wrong reason due to an injury to Conor Bedard, Kindel's performance has been consistently impressive.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Kindel's game is his position within the lineup. With Evgeni Malkin's role shifting away from center, the Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves in a tricky situation. Malkin's decline as a pure center and his willingness to adapt his role signal a significant change in the team's dynamics. This leaves a void in the center position, and Kindel is poised to step into the spotlight.
Kindel's ice time and usage statistics from last season are impressive. Averaging 12:36 in even-strength ice time, he ranked eighth among regular Penguin forwards. This puts him in a strong position to be a key player in the mid-line role. However, the bigger question is who he will be paired with. Last season, Kindel's most common forward partners were a mix of established and developing players, indicating a third-line talent level.
For the upcoming season, Kindel's linemates could make a significant difference. If he is paired with offensive talent like Egor Chinakhov, Malkin, Andrei Kuzmenko, and Rickard Rakell, his ice time might not increase much, but the quality of his teammates will take a leap. This could be a strategic move to elevate his game and provide a boost to the second line.
Alternatively, Kindel could be paired with lower-level options like Brazeau, Novak, Nick Robertson, Elmer Soderblom, and Hendrix Lapierre. This approach might not offer the same offensive potential, but it could be a more gradual path to development. The Penguins' approach to line combinations is likely to be fluid, and Kindel's versatility will be key.
As the Penguins prepare for training camp in September, the decisions regarding line combinations and roles will shape the team's future. Kindel, for his part, must continue to refine his skills and adapt to the evolving dynamics of the team. His success last season has set the stage for a promising future, and the coming months will be crucial in determining his long-term impact on the Penguins' lineup.
