Don't be down on the Benjamin Kindel pick

Now that we’re more than 48 hours removed from the 2025 NHL Draft, the sticker shock of Kyle Dubas’ outside-the-box first-round picks should have worn off.

Penguins fans and hockey analysts were all very aligned in their thinking of what would go down at picks 11 and 12. Roger McQueen, Victor Eklund, Jackson Smith, and Kashawn Aitcheson were the prospects continuously linked to Pittsburgh. 

As the Penguins were on the clock, many were anticipating two of those expected names to be chosen in short order. Instead, we were all blindsided by the selection of Benjamin Kindel and a trade down to pick 22.

The focus was squarely on Kindel, who Kyle Dubas and company took 11th overall ahead of several others that were widely viewed as better options. Initially, the consensus reaction was that the Penguins reached, but after taking some time to dissect it all, it's really far from it.

Kindel's tremendous production

We've all seen how productive a season Benjamin Kindel just had... Michael Misa is the only player from this class with more points in his draft year. But what's even more impressive is how he stepped up in the playoffs. In just 11 postseason games, Kindel tallied 15 points (eight goals, seven assists), showing that he can further elevate his game when it matters most.

He came through in the clutch with overtime winners in back-to-back games of Calgary's second-round series against Lethbridge.

There isn't a more encouraging sign than that. He's still very young, and it's a small sample size, but combining this talent with the ability to rise in big moments should absolutely excite fans.

The connection with another Pens' top prospect

As some of you may know, Benjamin Kindel has quite the chemistry with fellow Penguins prospect Tanner Howe, having spent a chunk of time as linemates with the Calgary Hitmen.

It's a nice little bonus on top when coming to the decision of selecting Benjamin Kindel. Unfortunately, Howe had knee surgery after the WHL playoffs, so he'll be out for some time. You obviously never want to see injuries, but we shouldn't worry; when Howe gets healthy and returns, we can expect this duo to hit the ground running.

Ideally, in a few years time we'll be watching these two light it up together at PPG Paints Arena.