Ben Kindel “now more week to week” as opening night nears

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - April 29: Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel, currently listed as week-to-week injured, continued to face uncertainty following his injury in the first period of a preseason game on Monday night. Kindel, previously day-to-day, has now been downgraded in his injury status. Penguins Director of Minor League Operations and Assistant General Manager Amanda Kessel stated that further evaluations and updates will be shared as needed.

Kindel played in only the first period of the game, where he was seen blocking a weak shot towards the foot and driving into the net during potential chances to twist or injure himself. The regular season commences in six days for the Penguins in Philadelphia. The team has been testing their fourth line for the season's start, with Filip Hallander, Connor Dewar at center, and Elmer Soderblom joining the lineup.

Meanwhile, center depth is also being examined, as Blake Lizotte, another center, is also listed as week-to-week injured. Most top players are expected to participate in the final preseason game on Saturday, with the possibility of Hendrix Lapierre replacing Kindel on a line with Andrei Kuzmenko and Bryan Rust. Kuzmenko, however, is currently away to return to Russia following his father's death and may not return in time for the start of the season.