Penguins' Ben Kindel Hospitalized After 'Medical Episode' on Flight Leaving Salt Lake City

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel was taken to the hospital after a medical emergency during the team's flight out of Salt Lake City on Tuesday.

"The Pittsburgh Penguins team plane returned to the Salt Lake City International Airport today shortly after takeoff due to a medical episode involving forward Ben Kindel," the team said in a statement. "Team physician, Dr. Dharmesh Vyas of UPMC, as well as the team's medical staff were on board and immediately attended to Ben. An ambulance was waiting upon arrival, and he was taken to the University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation. Ben is conscious, alert and in stable condition. The health and safety of our players, as well as the privacy for their families, are our top priority. The team will provide further updates when appropriate."

The Penguins suffered a 5-4 loss to the Utah Mammoth on Monday and were heading back to Pittsburgh to host the Florida Panthers on Thursday.

According to Josh Yohe of The Athletic, members of the team's front office, coaching staff and medical staff have stayed with Kindel in Utah. His teammates also remain in Salt Lake City, but are set to travel back to Pittsburgh in a separate flight on Tuesday.

Kindel is in the midst of his second season as a member of the Penguins after they selected him with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 NHL draft.

He appeared in 77 games during his inaugural year, recording 17 goals and 18 assists. Kindel finished No. 9 in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy, which is given to the NHL's top rookie.

The 19-year-old has suited up in each of Pittsburgh's first nine games this season, amassing two goals and two assists. His 23 shots on goal are the second-most among Penguins players.

Pittsburgh has opened its 2026-27 campaign with a 3-6-1 record.