Penguins Forward Ben Kindel Returns to Practice, Reflects on Medical Episode

Penguins Forward Ben Kindel Returns to Practice, Reflects on Medical Episode originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel returned to practice Tuesday after missing two games following a medical episode last week, expressing gratitude for the team’s medical staff and his desire to move forward.Kindel addressed reporters after rejoining his teammates on the ice, describing himself as feeling “pretty good” and happy to resume preparations for the weekend."Just happy to be moving forward now," Kindel said. "Just really grateful for the Penguin staff, doctors, trainers, everybody who were so good, as well as the flight crew."The Penguins previously addressed the incident in team statements and a press conference with general manager Kyle Dubas. Kindel said he did not have additional details to share about what happened but credited those involved with handling the situation professionally.The 19-year-old said his recovery progressed quickly. He began working out one or two days after returning to Pittsburgh and used the time away from the ice to get additional training in before rejoining practice.Kindel missed just two games and said he was not dwelling on the experience as he prepared to return to action."For me, it’s in the past now. It’s out of my head," Kindel said. "Can’t control what happened. Just got to move forward, and that’s where my head’s at."He also credited his teammates for making his return to the rink feel routine, allowing him to focus on hockey rather than the events of the previous week."It’s just so awesome to be back on the ice," Kindel said.Ben Kindel Could Get Opportunity on Penguins’ Second LineKindel’s return comes as Pittsburgh continues to adjust its forward combinations. During Tuesday’s practice, he skated on the second line alongside Evgeni Malkin and Egor Chinakhov while also working with the second power-play unit.The opportunity could give Kindel a chance to contribute alongside two offensively gifted teammates as he looks to build on his early NHL experience.Kindel acknowledged that playing with Malkin and Chinakhov would be an exciting opportunity but emphasized that his priority remains helping Pittsburgh win, regardless of where he slots into the lineup."They’re both great players offensively, and hopefully we can see what we can do," Kindel said. "Wherever they put me, I’m just happy to just go out there and try and do my best wherever and help the team win."Kindel also offered a measured assessment of his season before the medical episode, acknowledging some ups and downs as the Penguins work through an uneven start. He noted that the team is still early in the season and that consistency will come with continued growth.We missed you, Kindy! https://t.co/rqT01kOZGt— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 27, 2026For now, his focus is on returning to game action and contributing wherever the coaching staff needs him. After a difficult and unexpected week, Kindel is back on the ice and preparing to help Pittsburgh move forward.More PenguinsLatest Penguins newsPPG Paints Arena fan guide: What to know before you goComplete history of Penguins championships