In a move widely anticipated following the recent NHL Entry Draft, the Pittsburgh Penguins have officially signed forward Ben Kindel, their 2025 first-round selection, to a three-year entry-level contract.
Kindel, an 18-year-old burgeoning talent from Coquitlam, British Columbia, was chosen 11th overall in the draft proceedings held in June. His signing represents a standard, yet crucial, step in transitioning a top amateur prospect into the professional system.
The young forward`s performance during the 2024-25 season undoubtedly solidified his status as a high-value pick. Playing for the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League (WHL), Kindel demonstrated significant offensive prowess, accumulating an impressive 99 points—derived from 35 goals and 64 assists—across 65 games. This near point-per-game pace in a competitive junior league highlighted his playmaking ability and scoring touch.
Beyond his WHL accomplishments, Kindel also distinguished himself on the international stage. He played a key role for Team Canada, contributing to gold medal victories at both the U-18 World Championship and the prestigious Hlinka Gretzky Cup during the past season. These experiences against top global peers further underscore his readiness and potential.
The three-year entry-level deal is the standard contract structure for prospects entering the league. For Kindel, as an 18-year-old drafted from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) system, league regulations outline his immediate path: he is eligible to compete for a roster spot with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the upcoming season. Should he not make the NHL club, he would be returned to the Calgary Hitmen for additional development in the WHL, as he is not eligible to play in the American Hockey League (AHL) until he is 19 years old.
Securing this contract formally links Kindel to the Penguins organization and marks him as a designated piece of their future trajectory. While the specific details regarding his immediate placement for the 2025-26 season will unfold during training camp, the signing itself is a clear indication of the club`s commitment to integrating their top draft pick into their plans.
