The Pittsburgh Penguins have turned heads this season, defying early expectations that had them pegged as a team more likely to vie for a top draft pick than a playoff spot. As we near the end of the regular season, the Penguins sit comfortably in second place in the Metropolitan Division, with the playoffs now a realistic goal.
This shift in expectations is well-deserved, reflecting their strong performance and standings position. However, while the immediate focus is on postseason possibilities, the long-term development of the team remains crucial.
A standout in this narrative is 18-year-old rookie center Ben Kindel, whose performance has been nothing short of remarkable. Kindel added another goal to his tally on Wednesday against the Carolina Hurricanes, marking his 17th of the season in just 65 games.
He's on track to hit the 20-goal mark, a significant achievement for any rookie, let alone one who jumped straight to the NHL in his draft year. This feat places him among an elite group of young stars who have made a similar impact.
Over the past three decades, only 15 players have managed to score at least 17 goals in their age-18 season. Most teenagers aren't even considered for NHL play, and those who are usually get a brief stint before heading back to juniors.
Kindel, however, has not only earned his spot but has become a crucial contributor to the team's success. He's not just along for the ride; he's helping drive the team's performance.
It's rare for a player drafted outside the top two picks to make such an immediate impact. Kindel's success is a testament to the Penguins' front office and could be the stroke of luck needed to fast-track their rebuild.
Kindel's contributions extend beyond scoring. Among the 16 Penguins skaters with at least 500 minutes of 5-on-5 play, he ranks third in shot attempt share, seventh in expected goal share, and fourth in high-danger scoring chance share. Since 2007-08, he's one of only two 18-year-olds to score at least 17 goals while maintaining a shot-attempt share above 52%-joining Andrei Svechnikov in this exclusive club.
His role has expanded to include penalty killing, where he leads the team in goals against per 60 minutes and expected goals against per 60 minutes when shorthanded. In many seasons, Kindel would be a top contender for the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year. However, with Matthew Schaefer seemingly securing that honor, Kindel's achievements still warrant significant recognition and a top-five finish in voting.
While it's hard to predict Kindel's long-term ceiling, his debut season places him in impressive company. He may not be a franchise-altering player like Sidney Crosby or Nathan MacKinnon, but he certainly appears to be a foundational piece for a contending team. This development could prove to be the most significant takeaway from the Penguins' season, potentially outweighing any team accomplishments.