What Penguins' Sidney Crosby Loves Most About Ben Kindel

Only two teams this season have gotten goals from as many different rookies as Pittsburgh: the San Jose Sharks, who have four rookie goal-scorers, and the Chicago Blackhawks, who lead the league. For a Penguins team long fueled by veterans, this wave of youth is something entirely new.

Sidney Crosby Praises Penguins Rookie

After a recent practice, when asked about regularly staying on the ice to play games with Kindel and a few other teammates, Crosby couldn’t hide his admiration for the teenager’s approach.

“He’s really passionate about the game. He wants to learn. As you can see, he loves being out there. He wants to get better but he also is having fun playing in the NHL as an 18-year-old. It’s a great feeling. It was a long time ago for me, but I remember—it’s the best. You dream of playing in the NHL, and finally you can go out there and do what you love to do. I think he’s making the most of his opportunity, but I don’t think he takes it for granted. I think he knows how much work goes into it, and he’s just trying to get better."

Earning that kind of praise from Sidney Crosby says more than any stat line. What stands out isn’t just the scoring, but the maturity, the eagerness, and the passion for the game. Crosby has always valued habits over highlights, and Kindel seems to check every box.

In a follow-up question, Crosby was asked whether being around Kindel makes him feel younger. He grinned while answering.

“I don’t know, I like being out there too, so at least I have a couple extra guys who like staying out a little longer. Yeah, it’s fun. It’s great when you have that enthusiasm and that energy around, and I think having some younger guys injects that into a team for sure.”

Youthful Energy for a Veteran Penguins Core

That injection of energy might be the hidden value of Pittsburgh’s youth movement. For a team built around legends in the later stages of their careers, young players bring a spark — fresh legs, fresh voices, and a level of joy that can reset the entire room. Kindel, more than anyone, has provided that jolt.

The Penguins don’t yet know how far this season will take them, but they do know this: if the future of the franchise is already touching the present, Crosby is welcoming it with open arms, and Ben Kindel is making it impossible not to ignore.