Who is Benjamin Kindel, the Penguins selection at No. 11 overall in the NHL draft?
The Pittsburgh Penguins selected forward Benjamin Kindel in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft on Friday.
Kindel's name was called at No. 11 overall. Here's everything to know about the team's newest rookie forward.
Who did Benjamin Kindel play junior hockey for?
For the last two seasons, Kindel has played for the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League. The Hitmen play in the Eastern Conference's Central Division.
Kindel has been one of the top producers on the team during his time with the Hitmen in the regular season. He tallied 60 points during his rookie season in 2023-24 before breaking through with 99 points last season.
"I've always kind of had a little bit of a chip on my shoulder, and I think that's a good thing," Kindel said on Friday after being drafted,
While with the Hitmen, the 18-year-old Kindel has shared the ice with Tanner Howe, who the Penguins selected in the second round of the 2024 draft.
Kindel, a right-hander, is a native of Coquitlam, British Columbia.
Benjamin Kindel's NHL future
He is the Penguins' highest selection since 2012, when Pittsburgh drafted defenseman Derrick Pouliot No. 8 overall.
Kindel is another upside swing taken by Kyle Dubas, who is in his third season as the Penguins' president of hockey operations.
"I talked to Pittsburgh a little bit throughout the year, and I knew they were somewhat interested," Kindel reportedly said after being drafted by the Penguins. "So, I always knew it was possible, and I'm just really excited to move forward."
Kindel has "spectacular vision on the ice," though his 5-foot-10, 180-pound frame "might've led to him being lower on some teams' draft boards, but the talent is definitely there."
