​IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectAfter almost scoring a pair of goals in the first period of the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ first preseason game on Monday, second-year player Ben Kindel did not return to the lineup after the first intermission. Kindel’s final shift of the game came with just over two minutes remaining in the first period, but he was not on the bench for the second period. The team confirmed via a social media post that Kindel suffered a lower-body injury and would not return. Last season, Kindel was one of the team’s pleasant surprises. He was drafted 11th overall in 2025 and made the team as an 18-year-old rookie. He wasn’t supposed to play every game, but eventually overcame the team’s plan to limit his appearances and played 77 games, scoring 17 goals and 35 points. Pittsburgh Hockey Now will update the story following the game when coach Dan Muse addresses the media. Related HeadlinesPenguins Injuries: Bad News on Lizotte, OkuliarGameday! Penguins Preseason Game 1: Lines, Roster, and What to WatchDan’s Daily: Larkin is ‘Broken’; Intimidating Teams; Penguins BlockedRead more at Pittsburgh Hockey Now