In a move that few predicted at the start of the season, the Pittsburgh Penguins are scripting a compelling new chapter. While the team continues to notch up wins, a significant, quieter evolution is taking place on the ice. The catalyst? An 18-year-old rookie being handed responsibilities that typically take years to earn.
A Rookie's Trial by Fire
For rookie centre Ben Kindel, this is far from a novelty act. It is a demanding test of survival and growth at the highest level of hockey. The situation arose when star forward Evgeni Malkin returned from an injury, and the Penguins' coaching staff made a bold strategic choice. Instead of slotting Malkin back into his familiar centre role, they placed him on the wing, entrusting the pivotal centring duties to the young Kindel.
This decision, pairing the future with the storied past, could have led to chaos. Instead, it has fostered control, unexpected chemistry, and a surge of confidence that extends beyond a single game. Kindel himself has called centring a legend like Malkin a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" that he does not take lightly.
Steady Rise Meets Legendary Instinct
Kindel's journey to this point has been defined by quiet, consistent performance. He earned his roster spot out of training camp and has retained it through sheer merit. His learning curve has been steep and immersive, including time on Sidney Crosby's wing and anchoring the third line. Now, centring Malkin presents his biggest challenge yet: it's less about managing ice time and more about intuitively reading the instincts of a player shaped by over two decades of elite hockey.
"Obviously, he's such a special player," Kindel said with characteristic humility. "So, I'm lucky to be able to play with him and have him on my wing. He's a great player, so just going to try to do what I can to help that line be successful and help the team win."
Adjustment and Early Success
The transition requires adaptation from both players. Malkin, candid about the shift after a month away, acknowledged the initial challenge of playing wing but expressed his willingness. "First period, I play left wing, but third period, I play right wing... any little bit of time, it's not easy changing positions," Malkin stated after a recent win. However, he quickly found his rhythm, contributing a crucial second-period goal and affirming, "I like playing wing. Like, I don't care."
This reassurance from a veteran eases the immense pressure on Kindel. The line, also featuring the speedy Egor Chinakhov, has shown promising early signs of cohesion. Kindel praised Chinakhov's high skill, great shot, and skating, noting their good connection. The trio's combined hockey sense and skill have kept opponents like the New Jersey Devils on their heels.
For Kindel, the season—which has already included eight goals and valuable two-way play—is now about balancing ambition with patience. "Obviously, there's going to be ups and downs throughout the year," he reflected. "Just trying to get more comfortable and gain more confidence every day... I think it's just a fine line." In Pittsburgh, that fine line is being walked with a rookie at the helm and a legend by his side, defining the Penguins' evolving present.
