Ben Kindel exits preseason game with lower-body injury
Ben Kindel leaves Penguins preseason game with a lower-body injury, prompting evaluations by team staff.
Quick answers
What happened to Ben Kindel during the preseason game?
Ben Kindel left the Penguins' preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres after the first period due to a lower-body injury. He had crashed into the net earlier but played through the rest of the period before exiting.
What is the next step for Ben Kindel regarding his injury?
The Penguins have stated that Kindel is undergoing evaluation. Updates on the severity of his injury are expected after Monday's game or before Tuesday's matchup against the Detroit Red Wings.
Injury details remain unclear
Pittsburgh Penguins center Ben Kindel left Monday’s preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres due to a lower-body injury. Kindel exited before the second period. The Penguins announced the injury shortly after the event.
The exact cause of the injury remains uncertain. Kindel had crashed into the net earlier in the first period. He was slow to get up but completed the period before leaving.
Kindel’s impact on team dynamics
Kindel’s departure could potentially affect the Penguins’ roster plans as he aims for a lineup spot this season. During his limited ice time of just over six minutes, he recorded one shot, one blocked shot, and successfully won six of his seven faceoffs.
Before leaving the game, Kindel was skating on a line with veterans Bryan Rust and Andrei Kuzmenko. Their trio had a strong showing as they generated a 93.24% expected goal share during their 3:46 on-ice time together.
Current expectations for recovery
No information is available regarding the seriousness of Kindel’s injury. Following the game, head coach Dan Muse emphasized that Kindel is still undergoing evaluation. Given that this was a preseason game, the team may have opted for caution to prevent further injury.
Fans and team officials will be waiting for updates on Kindel’s status, particularly ahead of the next game against the Detroit Red Wings. A clear prognosis will likely emerge as evaluations progress.
A look back at Kindel’s performance
Ben Kindel showed promise during his rookie season, recording 17 goals and 35 points in 77 games. He tied for eighth in rookie scoring and surprised many by making the NHL roster after being selected 11th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft.
His ability to adapt to the NHL pace was notable. As he enters his second year, expectations remain high for his continued development and performance.
For related context, see latest NHL injury updates and recent NHL line usage.
Reporting for this story draws on Daily Faceoff, Sportsnet.
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