Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel has returned to Pittsburgh and is recuperating after experiencing a medical incident during the team’s recent flight from Utah. Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas disclosed that the 19-year-old Kindel collapsed approximately 10 minutes after departing Salt Lake City. The aircraft promptly turned back for an emergency landing, and Kindel was swiftly taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation before being discharged on Wednesday.
Dubas explained that Kindel suffered a vasovagal episode, characterized by a sudden decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. Further medical assessments were being conducted on Kindel at the team facility on Thursday. Despite no prior incidents of collapsing, the Penguins decided to place the 2025 first-round draft pick on injured reserve. While the timeline for his comeback remains uncertain, Dubas expressed optimism that Kindel might resume training by the weekend’s conclusion pending the test results.
In the current season, Kindel has contributed two points and two assists in nine games for Pittsburgh. Notably, he played nearly 19 minutes during the team’s recent defeat to Utah on Monday night.
