Penguins sign top draft pick, forward prospect Ben Kindel

The Pittsburgh Penguins signed forward prospect Ben Kindel to a three-year, entry-level contract Tuesday. Financial terms were not announced.

Kindel was the Penguins’ top selection (No. 11 overall) in the NHL Draft last month.

A right-handed shot, Kindel skated for the Western Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen last season. Appearing in 65 games, Kindel scored 99 points (35 goals, 64 assists).

Ben Kindel, clutch as always! ???? pic.twitter.com/u0c8OX32in

— Calgary Hitmen (@WHLHitmen) March 24, 2025

While Kindel (5-foot-11, 181 pounds) is eligible to join the NHL club next season, he is expected to rejoin the Hitmen in 2024-25. His contract can “slide” — i.e. begin — when he turns professional on a full-time basis.

The 18-year-old Kindel participated in the team’s prospect development camp this past weekend.

“You see the hockey sense,” Penguins director of player development Tom Kostopoulos said Monday in Cranberry. “You see the playmaking ability. The skating, I think there’s a ton of room for growth and improvement. He’s a very young kid. Excited that he’s here.

“He’s been really inquisitive, asking questions, wanting to learn. Being in here in this environment I think has been a bit eye-opening for him, just to see all the players and how hard everyone works. It’s been a really good fit for him. Exciting to see that there’s room for growth and strength and skating. If you give a smart player more speed and strength, their game is only going to grow. He’s a kid that’s willing to put in the work, and he knows what he has to do.”