Ben Kindel's lower-body injury has forced Dan Muse to reshape the Pittsburgh Penguins' plans before Tuesday's preseason game.
Kindel left Monday's matchup against the Buffalo Sabres after the first period and did not return. Pittsburgh went on to take the game 4-1.
The injury appeared after Kindel went awkwardly into the net earlier in the period. He got back to his feet slowly and finished the frame before being shut down.
That immediately creates a lineup issue for Muse. Kindel had been getting an extended look alongside Bryan Rust and Andrei Kuzmenko in a group carrying the profile of Pittsburgh's second line.
The timing isn't ideal either. Kindel isn't expected to dress Tuesday against the Detroit Red Wings, taking away another evaluation opportunity during a short preseason schedule.
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Pittsburgh's focus will now shift toward keeping the absence short. The early expectation is that Kindel will spend a few days away from the ice rather than pushing through the issue.
Ben Kindel's absence opens a lineup spot
Muse now has an opening in his forward group, and preseason games are exactly where those vacancies can change the direction of a roster battle.
Kindel had already given Pittsburgh plenty to work with. He finished his rookie season with 17 goals and 18 assists across 77 games, establishing himself as one of the organization's most interesting young forwards.
The Penguins selected him 11th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, making his early development an important piece of a roster still led by established names such as Sidney Crosby.
Missing one preseason game won't change Kindel's standing. But losing practice and exhibition time can interrupt chemistry, especially when a young center is being tested with experienced wingers.
For Muse, the next decision is straightforward: somebody else gets Kindel's minutes against Detroit. That player gets a chance to push for a stronger role while Kindel recovers.
The Penguins would rather have Kindel continuing his work in the top six. Instead, his lower-body issue has created the first unexpected lineup adjustment of their preseason.
Should the Penguins keep Ben Kindel out until he is fully ready?
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