Penguins Forwards Kindel and Lizotte Sustained Injuries

Ben Kindel and Blake Lizotte have been ruled out week-to-week following injuries sustained during the preseason.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Hockey

Penguins Forwards Kindel and Lizotte Sustained Injuries

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Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Ben Kindel and Blake Lizotte are sidelined week-to-week with undisclosed injuries. Kindel was injured during a 4-1 preseason victory against the Buffalo Sabres, while Lizotte sustained his injury during training camp.

Why it matters

The loss of two forwards so close to the regular season opener forces the Penguins to adjust their lineup as they prepare for the Philadelphia Flyers. Maintaining depth remains a priority as the team manages multiple personnel absences ahead of the season start.

Ben Kindel recorded 17 goals and 18 assists over 77 games last season, averaging 15:04 of ice time per contest. Additionally, goaltender Sergei Murashov logged 30:23 of ice time during Monday's preseason action.

The players

Ben Kindel

He is a 19-year-old forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who recorded 35 points in 77 appearances last season.

Blake Lizotte

He is a forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins currently sidelined with an undisclosed injury sustained during training camp.

Sergei Murashov

He is a goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins who recently logged significant ice time during preseason play.

Ville Koivunen

He is a player for the Pittsburgh Penguins who was recently sidelined due to an eye injury.

The details

Ben Kindel, a 19-year-old forward, exited the home win against Buffalo before the final whistle. Meanwhile, Ville Koivunen was also held out of action recently due to an eye abrasion.

Last season, Ben Kindel appeared in 77 games for the team.
Monday, Kindel sustained an injury during a preseason win at PPG Paints Arena.
Tuesday, Ville Koivunen was scratched from a game due to an injury.
Thursday, an official update on player health was provided.
Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins are scheduled to open the regular season against the Philadelphia Flyers.

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Season Trajectory

These injuries disrupt the team's intended rotation just days before the official season opener against the Philadelphia Flyers. The absences force the coaching staff to reorganize their forward lines and potentially rely on depth players to fill the scoring void left by Kindel.

The absence of Kindel removes a consistent offensive contributor who averaged 15:04 of ice time per game last season. Fantasy managers and fans should monitor the team's updated lineup cards for Wednesday's opener to identify which players receive the resulting increase in shifts.

The takeaway

Sudden roster shifts during the preseason highlight the importance of organizational depth in a long NHL schedule. Coaches often use these weeks to evaluate prospects, but injury management remains the most critical factor in setting a winning tone for the early regular season.