The Pittsburgh Penguins are navigating the early stages of development for their rookie forwards, Ben Kindel and Ville Koivunen. While Kindel currently plays for the Penguins, Koivunen is honing his skills at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton farm club.
Reflecting on Past Mistakes
The Penguins face a crucial decision regarding Kindel’s future, reminiscent of a cautionary tale involving Aleksey Morozov. Drafted in the first round of the 1995 NHL Draft, Morozov was highly regarded for his offensive abilities.
However, he spent two seasons in Russia before joining the NHL. Once in Pittsburgh, Morozov often played on the bottom six due to the team’s depth in offensive talent. This shift limited his potential and diluted his skills, resulting in an underwhelming career—84 goals in 451 games, with a season high of just 20 goals.
Morozov’s NHL Career
During the 2002-03 season, Morozov showcased his talent by playing alongside legends like Mario Lemieux and Alexei Kovalev, scoring 25 points in 27 games. However, after a wrist injury and the 2004-05 lockout, he never returned to the NHL. Instead, Morozov thrived in Russia, winning scoring titles and accolades, including a notable 283 goals in 665 professional games abroad.
The Current Situation with Ben Kindel
With Kindel, the Penguins must learn from their past mistakes. The 18-year-old was picked 11th in the most recent NHL Draft and shows promise as a potential second-line player. Currently, he has one goal and no assists from six games, yet his defensive skills and hockey IQ stand out.
- Kindel averages 1 goal in his first six games.
- He is currently playing with less experienced teammates, which may limit his development.
- If Kindel stays past nine games, he must remain in the NHL for the season.
To foster his growth effectively, the Penguins should reconsider his role. Playing him alongside more skilled players would help him flourish. It is essential for Kindel to play on the power play as he has shown promising capabilities in that area.
The Dilemma of Development
There’s an archaic agreement that mandates 18- and 19-year-olds return to their Major Junior teams if they play fewer than ten NHL games. This rule is seen as detrimental to player development. Talents like Kindel could benefit from the competitive environment of the NHL rather than returning to junior hockey.
Potential Path Forward
The Penguins have three more games to assess Kindel’s readiness. If he is to remain in the NHL, he needs increased time on the ice with better players, especially playing alongside stars like Sidney Crosby. This could not only enhance his performance but also help build chemistry with established players.
As the Penguins deliberate on Kindel’s future, his inclusion in the World Junior Championships in December could also provide vital experience. Making the right choices now could avoid the costly mistakes of the past, ensuring that young talents like Kindel reach their full potential.
