Pittsburgh Penguins downgrade Benjamin Kindel to week-to-week

The Pittsburgh Penguins have downgraded center Benjamin Kindel from day-to-day to week-to-week following a lower-body injury sustained during a preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres. Kindel, a 19-year-old breakout player from the previous season, suffered the injury in the first period after blocking a shot with his foot and driving into the net on multiple occasions.

Kindel’s absence, alongside center Blake Lizotte who is also listed as week-to-week, creates significant depth challenges for the Penguins ahead of the regular season opener in six days. Potential roster adjustments include elevating Thomas Novak to a second-line role and providing opportunities for Hendrix Lapierre and Connor Dewar. Additionally, the team faces lineup shifts as Andrei Kuzmenko is currently away from the team following a family bereavement.