Penguins forward Ben Kindel hospitalized in Utah after having medical emergency on team flight

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel, 19, was hospitalized in Salt Lake City on Tuesday following a medical emergency during the team's flight home from a four-game trip. The Pittsburgh Penguins stated that Kindel had an unspecified issue shortly after their plane took off from Salt Lake City airport. The aircraft made an emergency return to the airport where the team's medical staff attended to the forward.

Kindel was then transported by ambulance to the University of Utah hospital, where he was reported to be conscious, alert, and stable. This marks Kindel's second season with the Penguins, having been chosen as the 11th pick overall in the 2025 draft. So far, he has two goals and two assists in nine games, playing 18 minutes and 53 seconds in a recent 5-4 loss to Utah.