The Pittsburgh Penguins have successfully integrated Ben Kindel into their Rookie Development Plan, as he leads the team’s rookie roster with 18 appearances this season. At just 18 years old, Kindel embodies the promising future of the franchise, even if he humorously claims he’s not quite a veteran yet. Despite his performance on the ice, Kindel was a healthy scratch for the team’s recent game against the Buffalo Sabres, part of a strategic development initiative shared with rookie defenseman Harrison Brunicke, who is also 19.
The Penguins are cautious with their young talents, focusing on long-term growth. This decision reflects their approach to balancing game time and development opportunities for players stepping into professional hockey. Prior to missing the match against the Sabres, Kindel had participated in 12 consecutive games. Since early November, the Penguins have faced a lighter schedule with just nine games over 25 days, creating an opportunity to rest younger players.
Upcoming Game Schedule and Coaching Insights
Coach Dan Muse emphasizes the importance of making decisions that benefit both the team and individual player growth. He has stated, “We’re going to put out a lineup that we feel is best there to win games. But also, with a young player like Kindel, we want to ensure he can perform at his best, now and in the future.” Kindel’s recent game saw him centered on the third line, contributing a power-play assist despite his line being on the ice for multiple goals against in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken.
Performance and Future Prospects
Developing young talent is a key focus for the Penguins. Coach Muse clarified that the decision to rest Kindel was not a reaction to any single game but part of a larger, ongoing strategy. The Penguins’ schedule will ramp up with 15 games in the 28 days leading up to the NHL holiday break on December 24.
Additional Roster Moves: Goaltenders and Forwards
In roster updates, rookie goaltender Sergei Murashov has been assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins following the activation of veteran Tristan Jarry. Murashov, who recently recorded a 1.90 goals-against average and .913 save percentage over four games, is viewed as a future asset for the team.
- Sergei Murashov: 1-1-1 record with a 1.90 GAA and one shutout.
- Sam Poulin: Reassigned to Wilkes-Barre after managing 15 points (7 goals, 8 assists) in 16 AHL games.
Poulin’s demotion was influenced by his limited impact on special teams during recent NHL games. His performance in the AHL continues to impress, as he remains the leading scorer for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
The Penguins’ management remains focused on evaluating player performance and their usage within the team, ensuring both individual and collective success as the season progresses.
