Ben Kindel's journey through the NHL is a captivating tale of growth and potential, especially as he navigates his position within the Pittsburgh Penguins' lineup. As the off-season unfolds, Kindel finds himself in the spotlight, not just for his on-ice prowess but also for the intriguing questions surrounding his role in the upcoming season.
A Rising Star in the NHL
Kindel's time in Vancouver has been a blend of preparation and adjustment. While his practice group made headlines for the wrong reason due to an injury to Conor Bedard, Kindel's performance has been a beacon of consistency. His skills are shining, and the question on everyone's mind is: where does he fit in the Penguins' lineup next season?
The Center Dilemma
The Penguins find themselves in a peculiar predicament. With Evgeni Malkin's transition from center to wing and his upcoming 40th birthday, the team must reconsider its center depth. Malkin's decline in faceoff attempts and his shift to the wing signal a new era for the Penguins. This leaves a void in the lineup, as the team seeks to fill the gap between Sidney Crosby's first line and Blake Lizotte's fourth line.
Mid-Line Talent
Tommy Novak and Rickard Rakell, both natural centers, have morphed into wingers in the NHL. This, coupled with Kindel, forms the core of the Penguins' mid-line talent. However, the classification of Kindel as a 'second' or 'third' liner is somewhat arbitrary. Last season, Kindel averaged 12:36 in even-strength ice time, ranking eighth among regular Penguin forwards. This puts him in a unique position, as the team will likely ask players in this mid-line role to play around 12-14 minutes per game.
Linemates and Opportunities
The bigger question is who Kindel will be paired with. Last season, his most common forward 5v5 partners were Brazeau, Mantha, Koivunen, McGroarty, and Novak. This suggests a third-line talent association. However, the upcoming year could bring a change. If Kindel is placed in a spot where he centers options like Chinakhov, Malkin, Kuzmenko, and Rakell, he could step up to a second-line role with offensive talent. This would elevate his ice time without significantly increasing the amount.
A Fluid Lineup
Alternatively, Kindel could spend time with lower-level options like Brazeau, Novak, Robertson, Soderblom, and Lapierre. The Penguins' approach to lineup decisions is fluid, and it's likely that Kindel will be tried in various areas and combinations. This flexibility will be crucial in shaping the makeup of the Pittsburgh lineup.
The Summer of Preparation
For now, Kindel's focus is on honing his craft and building upon a successful rookie season. As the summer progresses, he will continue to work on his skills, readying himself for the challenges and opportunities that await him in the upcoming season. The decisions that will shape his role will unfold in September at training camp, but for now, Kindel is embracing the process, knowing that his journey in the NHL is far from over.
In my opinion, Kindel's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential for growth in the NHL. As he navigates his position within the Penguins' lineup, he embodies the spirit of a rising star, ready to make his mark on the league. The upcoming season promises to be a fascinating journey for Kindel, and for the Penguins, as they seek to find the perfect fit for their mid-line talent.
