Pittsburgh Penguins sign 2025 first-round pick Ben Kindel

The Pittsburgh Penguins haven't wasted anytime completing some internal business after the 2025 NHL Draft, as the team announced on Tuesday they've signed first-round pick Ben Kindel to a three-year entry-level contract.

It's official ✍️

The Penguins have signed forward Ben Kindel to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Details: https://t.co/LpySva4aJw pic.twitter.com/sWTgpIjAcU
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) July 8, 2025

Kindel was a first round, 11th overall selection of the Penguins. He had himself a fine season in 2024-25, where he set career highs in goals with 35, assists with 64, for 99 points in just 65 regular-season games. Kindel was a huge part of the core of the Western Hockey League's Calgary Hitman last season, and could push for a spot on the Penguins roster as soon as this season.

The 18-year-old finished second in Hitman scoring, and was a first-team all star. He wouldn't stop there, as Kindel kept the offence pouring in during Calgary's post season run in the WHL, recording 15 points in 11 postseason games.

Daily Faceoff's prospect analyst Steven Ellis had this to say prior to the draft:

Kindel has been one of the WHL’s hottest prospects this season. And he’s quickly becoming one of the most popular names in the public scouting sphere. He’s equally good as a shooter and a playmaker and is the driving force of Calgary’s attack. Kindel does a great job of finding open space and exploiting it and he has a shot he can unleash from just about anywhere. Below-average skating and a lack of a physical edge knock him down a few pegs, but many teams should consider him for his pure puck skills and solid all-around improvement.

Keep an eye on the Penguins, they are involved in trade talks and could have a roster spot open up on the wing next season if Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell are traded.