With the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the Pittsburgh Penguins selected center Benjamin Kindel from the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League (WHL). The move was one of the most surprising of the night, as most mock drafts had Kindel going later in the first round, projecting him to be selected somewhere in the 20s.
Kindel, an 18-year-old center, stands at 5'11" and weighs 180 lbs. He is a right-handed shot who served as an alternate captain for the Hitmen. This past season, Kindel showcased his offensive abilities by scoring 35 goals and adding 64 assists for a total of 99 points in 65 regular-season games. His outstanding performance placed him second on the Hitmen in both goals and points, while he led the team in assists. Kindel's 99 points also ranked seventh among all WHL players and led all 2025 NHL Draft-eligible skaters. In addition, he recorded 15 points in 11 playoff games. Furthermore, Kindel won a gold medal with Team Canada at the U18s.
According to Calgary Hitmen Head Coach Paul McFarland, Kindel sees the ice in a way that few players can. McFarland describes Kindel as a player who thinks the game at an elite level and is ultra-competitive. He also noted that Kindel consistently performed well throughout the season and played his best hockey in the playoffs. TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button likens Kindel to Zach Hyman, noting Kindel's versatility and ability to play center or wing, contribute on the penalty kill and power play, and provide both checking and scoring.
A scouting report by Elite Prospects noted Kindel's outstanding performance at the World Junior Championship U-18 tournament. Daniel Gee, an Elite Prospects scout, highlighted Kindel's exceptional tactical understanding of the game and his ability to manipulate defenders. McKeen's Hockey noted Kindel's exceptional hand-eye coordination, allowing him to effortlessly control bouncing pucks. They also praised his effectiveness along the boards, where he uses his body to shield the puck and escape effectively.
Despite his strengths, Kindel's skating has been identified as an area for improvement. McKeen's Hockey noted that Kindel's speed is a weakness, potentially affecting his draft stock. Kindel's stride lacks the explosiveness needed for quick acceleration, which can sometimes leave him behind the play or slow down the game when he has the puck. However, his strength on his skates is beneficial along the boards and in front of the net.
Penguins President of Hockey Operations and GM Kyle Dubas said that this draft is a massive opportunity for the team to grow, evolve, and build back into a contender. The Penguins entered the 2025 NHL Draft with 11 total selections. In addition to the 11th overall pick, the Penguins also possessed the 12th overall pick. However, they traded the 12th overall pick to the Philadelphia Flyers for the 22nd and 31st selections later in Round 1. This marked the first time since 1984 that the Penguins had three picks in the first round.
