Ben Kindel Returns to Pittsburgh Following Mid Flight Medical Emergency

Medical scare on flight back from Utah

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel is back home in Pittsburgh and recovering after experiencing a medical emergency on the team flight earlier this week.

The incident happened shortly after the team departed from Salt Lake City on Tuesday. Kindel collapsed roughly 10 minutes after takeoff. The flight turned around immediately to make an emergency landing back at the airport. Paramedics met the plane and took the forward to a nearby hospital by ambulance for observation.

Diagnosis and recovery status

Kindel stayed overnight in the hospital before being released on Wednesday. He returned to Pittsburgh and was at the team complex on Thursday to undergo further medical testing.

General manager Kyle Dubas provided an update on the situation on Thursday. Dubas explained that the 19 years old forward suffered a vasovagal episode, which involves a sudden and sharp drop in heart rate and blood pressure. Dubas added that Kindel had no prior history of collapsing like this.

Placement on injured reserve

The Penguins have placed their 2025 first round draft pick on injured reserve while doctors complete his evaluation.

While there is no fixed timeline for his return to the ice, Dubas expressed optimism about his recovery. Depending on how his test results come back, the team hopes Kindel could return to training by the end of the weekend.

Kindel played nearly 19 minutes on Monday night during Pittsburgh's loss to Utah. So far this season, the young forward has recorded two points and two assists in nine games for the team.

What it means for the next game

Florida Panthers at Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL, Thu, 22 Oct): Pittsburgh Penguins win 49%, Florida Panthers win 51%; projected score Pittsburgh Penguins 3, Florida Panthers 3. Our safest pick: Panthers +1.5.

Nashville Predators at Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL, Sat, 24 Oct): Pittsburgh Penguins win 52%, Nashville Predators win 48%; projected score Pittsburgh Penguins 4, Nashville Predators 3. Our safest pick: Under 9 goals.