Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Muse shared a positive update on Ben Kindel Wednesday after the 19-year-old forward had a medical episode that forced the team’s plane to return to Salt Lake City earlier this week.
The incident occurred following the Penguins’ 5-4 loss to the Utah Mammoth on Monday. Kindel was taken by ambulance to University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation, but was “conscious, alert and an in stable condition,” according to the Penguins.
“He’s doing better,” Muse told 105.9 the X in Pittsburgh on Wednesday. “We’re hopeful that he’ll be traveling back to Pittsburgh today.”
Muse did not share any further details about the episode, but stating that “Obviously, it was a scary moment.”
Kindel is in his second NHL season, having posted 17 goals and 35 points in 77 games as a rookie last season.
Taken with the 11th overall selection of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the Coquitlam, BC native has two goals and two assists in nine games this season.
The Penguins are scheduled to host the Florida Panthers on Thursday.