Congratulations are in order to Florida, who managed to secure their second Stanley Cup victory in as many seasons. As always, a mixture of talent obtained from outside the organization as well as prospects developed within contributed to their success.
All of that excitement leads to a thrilling week of season ending activity in the NHL, with teams finalizing their list and investigating various scenarios ahead of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft — including a rather notable trade between Anaheim and Philadelphia that has former first round pick Trevor Zegras on the move.
We’re not here to talk about trade scenarios, though. With the Draft mere days away, let’s look at another name potentially because discussed by Kings scouts and new GM Ken Holland.
Benjamin Kindel
Vitals
Date of Birth: April 19, 2007
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 181 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: Forward
2024-25 Season
Kindel spent the 2024-25 season playing for the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen. In 65 games, he had 99 points (35 G, 64 A).
Leading the League’s Draft
Ending a season with 99 points is always remarkable in and of itself. What makes the numbers more impressive is it topped all draft-eligible players in the WHL. Only one younger player put up better numbers: currently projected first overall pick for 2026, Gavin McKenna.
Dippin’ (in the) Dots
The native of Coquitlam, BC, is usually listed as a winger in draft publications. Yet, he still put in work at the faceoff dots, taking 649 draws all season. While likely not drafted as a center, teams may appreciate someone being able to chip in occasionally.
Double Gold Club
Calgary’s skilled forward made sure to show up on the international stage when representing Team Canada, as well. Playing for his home country at both the Hlinka Gretzky tournament and the U-18 World Junior Championship, Kindel struck gold twice.
Draft Combine Results
Kindel attended the NHL Combine, and these are the categories in which he was ranked in the top-25:
Pro Agility, Left Time: 4.27 sec (8th)
Mean Power Output: 11.2 watts/kg (tied for 21st)
Peak Power Output: 15.8 watts/kg (tied for 13th)
Vertical Jump: 21.69 inches (15th)
No Arm Jump: 18.82 inches (14th)
Bench Press 50% of Body Weight – Power: 6.54 watts/kg (24th)
Pull-Ups Consecutive: 12 (tied for 14th)
Rankings by Independent Scouting Services
Ranked No. 28 by Hockey Prospect: “The biggest hurdle for Kindel is his skating ability. He has made some improvements if you compare it to the start of the season, which gives some confidence that he has a chance. He’s smart, creative, has above-average vision, and has a really good shot. He also works hard, he’s tenacious on the ice, and can play center and on the wing. Because of his skating, we think he would need to play as a winger at the NHL level. He has a chance in a middle 6 role with PP & PK usage.”
Ranked No. 19 by McKeen’s Hockey. “In a way, Kindel’s success this season was a pleasantly unexpected surprise. He’s a small, slight forward with modest skating ability, so he’s not necessarily the kind of player who drives play and puts opponents on their toes. However, he makes up for those shortcomings with exceptional vision and hockey sense. If he’s not the single smartest forward available in this 2025 group, he’s certainly not far from the top of the podium. There’s something undeniably special about the way he sees and processes everything that’s happening around him when he’s out on the ice, and he enhances that by being able to execute perfect tape-to-tape passes through tight traffic or across long distances.”
Ranked No. 19 by Future Considerations. “Kindel is a dual-threat forward whose high-end playmaking and timely goal-scoring make him a consistent offensive presence. His best attribute is his vision, particularly in how he anticipates plays and delivers accurate, deceptive passes of all varieties—saucer, backhand, and seam feeds are all within his toolkit. Whether operating as a power-play quarterback, managing possession from the half-wall, or working in transition, Kindel demonstrates poise with the puck and a willingness to hold possession until the right lane opens. He frequently looks off defenders to open up lanes and makes high-difficulty plays appear routine. As a shooter, he is most dangerous with one-timers and quick snapshots, especially when he effectively relocates into space. Though his wrist shot lacks similar velocity or deception, his sense of timing, positioning, and off-puck movement enhances his scoring threat. He excels at reading the play to exploit defensive breakdowns and remains a legitimate option in high-danger areas. His skating receives mixed marks; while he lacks elite top speed or explosive acceleration, his edge work, agility, and lateral movement allow him to maneuver effectively in the offensive zone and shake off defenders in tight quarters. Kindel displays strong puck protection, relying on stops, starts, and smart positioning over raw pace, and he remains calm even under pressure.”
See For Yourself
Video of Kindel vs. WHL Brandon:
Final Comments
This onion has lots of layers. For example, Kindel’s size and skating have come into question more than once. Each issue on their own isn’t a dealbreaker; however, smaller players with mobility issues are few and far between.
There’s not much to add about his size. At 5-foot-10, his reach as well as potential strength will simply be limited compared to bigger players. In forechecking situations, he will need to apply different techniques to separate players from the puck.
Conversely, the good news with skating is it can be corrected and improved in different ways. Even if straight-line speed isn’t a hallmark, there’s agility as well as simple leg strength. At this point, though, it’s a work in progress in all facets.
What helps improve Kindel’s chances of success is his high hockey IQ. Size can be overcome by learning how to apply proper leverage. Speed can be mitigated by simply knowing where he needs to go before needing to be there. On the powerplay, he effectively quarterbacks with seeing-eye passes and careful shot placement. While a very different type of player, his hockey smarts is very much like Liam Greentree, who has a variety of shots to create danger.
It’s the multiple dimensions of his offense, both in how he sees the ice and attacks it, that makes him a prime candidate to succeed at the NHL level. Of course, this is also predicated on normal growth as well, such as improving physique.
Kindel — like most players selected at the NHL Entry Draft — isn’t a player expected to see professional hockey action right away, so time is on his side. Look for him to return to the Calgary Hitmen next season, where his responsibilities will be expanded, while also fighting for a roster spot with Canada’s World Junior team.
Chat with David: You can find him on Twitter @Davidenkness to talk more hockey.
MORE LA KINGS NEWS:
Follow @mayorNHL
Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-522840723937225840-1’); });
Continue reading...
