As we gear up for the upcoming 2026-27 season, one player's journey is particularly intriguing: Ben Kindel. Hailing from Vancouver, Kindel has been making waves during his offseason preparations, showcasing his skills and raising questions about his role within the Pittsburgh Penguins' lineup.
The spotlight on Kindel intensifies as we consider the potential shift in the team's center position. Evgeni Malkin, a veteran presence, has been gradually transitioning away from his role as a pure center, with his faceoff statistics dropping significantly last season. Malkin's age and the team's strategic discussions hint at a potential full-time departure from his traditional center role.
This leaves a void in the Penguins' lineup, creating an opportunity for Kindel to step into a more prominent position. The team's depth chart at center, sandwiched between Sidney Crosby and Blake Lizotte, presents an intriguing puzzle. While players like Tommy Novak and Rickard Rakell have the potential to fill this gap, Kindel's performance and ice time last season suggest he could be a key piece in this puzzle.
One of the fascinating aspects of Kindel's potential role is the flexibility it offers. Under Dan Muse's coaching, the distinction between 'second' and 'third' liners is less about classification and more about ice time and usage. Kindel's average ice time last season, at 12:36, puts him in a unique position. He could find himself centering a second line with offensive talents like Chinakhov or Malkin, or he might be paired with lower-tier options, shaping a more defensive-minded third line.
The beauty of this setup is the fluidity it allows. Kindel's linemates could vary significantly throughout the season, depending on the team's performance and strategic needs. This flexibility is a double-edged sword, offering both opportunities and challenges. It will be fascinating to see how Kindel adapts and performs in these different scenarios.
As we eagerly await the start of the season, the decisions made during training camp in September will be pivotal. The Penguins' lineup makeup will be significantly influenced by these choices, and Kindel's role within it will be a key factor. For now, Kindel continues to refine his skills, knowing that his successful rookie season is just the beginning of a promising career.
