Ben Kindel Returns to Penguins Practice
The nineteen-year-old forward is back on the ice after a medical episode in Salt Lake City.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Hockey
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Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel returned to practice on Tuesday following a recent vasovagal episode. The nineteen-year-old had experienced the medical event following a game against the Utah Mammoth.
Why it matters
The team is adhering to strict medical guidelines to ensure a safe transition for the young forward as he resumes full training activities. His return provides a boost to the roster ahead of the team's upcoming schedule.
Kindel, an 11th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, has logged two goals and two assists through nine appearances this season. He previously recorded 17 goals and 18 assists during his 77-game 2025-26 rookie campaign.
The players
Ben Kindel
A nineteen-year-old forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who was selected 11th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft.
Pittsburgh Penguins
A professional hockey team based in Pittsburgh that competes in the National Hockey League.
Utah Mammoth
A professional hockey organization that is scheduled to face the Pittsburgh Penguins this coming Thursday.
Elmer Soderblom
A professional hockey player currently absent from the lineup due to an upper-body injury.
The details
Kindel participated in the session alongside returning teammates Evgeni Malkin, Egor Chinakhov, Justin Brazeau, and Sam Girard. While Kindel is back, Elmer Soderblom remains sidelined on a day-to-day basis with an upper-body injury.
Timeline
Ben Kindel was selected in the 2015 NHL Draft.
Kindel played his 77-game rookie NHL season in 2025-26.
The vasovagal episode occurred on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Kindel returned to team practice on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
Pittsburgh faces the Utah Mammoth on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The team's adherence to a structured return-to-play process highlights the league-wide emphasis on player safety as the Pittsburgh Penguins look to maintain their roster depth. This cautious approach mirrors the protocols set by the NHL's Concussion and Medical Protocol guidelines.
Kindel's return to practice signals his potential availability for the upcoming game against the Utah Mammoth. His inclusion in the lineup would restore the forward group depth for this week's rotation.
The takeaway
Maintaining consistent medical standards is crucial for professional athletes recovering from sudden health incidents. Players and team staff must balance the urgency of the competitive season with necessary recovery timelines to ensure long-term health.
What happens next
The Pittsburgh Penguins are scheduled to face the Utah Mammoth on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the current lineup status, visit the Pittsburgh Hockey section.
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