Penguins' Ben Kindel Experiences Medical Episode on Team Flight

Pittsburgh Penguins center Ben Kindel experienced a “medical episode” on the team’s flight Tuesday shortly after departing Salt Lake City, prompting the aircraft to return to Salt Lake City International Airport. The team announced that Kindel, 19, is conscious, alert, and in stable condition.

Team physician Dr. Dharmesh Vyas and the Penguins medical staff provided care to Kindel on board. Upon landing, he was transported by ambulance to University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation.

Moment before the incident, the Penguins had concluded a four-game road trip, which ended with a loss to the Utah Mammoth on Monday night. The team was en route to Pittsburgh for an upcoming home game against the Panthers on Thursday.

Kindel is in his second season with the Penguins, who selected him 11th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. In his rookie season, he recorded 17 goals and 18 assists across 77 games, finishing ninth in Calder Trophy voting. This season, he has two goals and two assists in nine games as a third-line center and contributes to the second power-play unit.