The 2025 NHL Draft is finally upon us.

And the Pittsburgh Penguins have chosen.

With the 11th overall pick, the Penguins selected center Benjamin Kindel from the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL. 

The 5-foot-10, 176-pound center registered 35 goals and 99 points in 65 games last season for the Hitmen. He finished seventh overall in WHL scoring, and while his production is a plus, he is also known for his creativity, tenacity, and ability to win one-on-one battles.

Kindel was also Penguins' forward prospect Tanner Howe's linemate for Calgary.

There weren't too many draft boards that had Kindel being selected in the top-20, let alone the top-15. Evidently, GM and POHO Kyle Dubas - as well as Wes Clarke - clearly saw something in Kindel they liked.

In addition, the read on this draft that center depth would be prioritized is certainly coming to fruition. Only three defensemen have been drafted in the top-15, and of the remaining forwards, only two - RW Porter Martone and LW Carter Bear - are not centers.

Still, with Victor Eklund available at 11, this one is a bit of a head-scratcher. The Penguins also ended up trading back the 12th overall pick given to them by the New York Rangers this season to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for the 22nd and 31st overall picks.

It's safe to say that our predictions did not come to pass.

2025 NHL Draft Predictions: Pittsburgh Penguins Edition The day is finally here. 

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab  to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!      

Feature image credit: Michael Augello-The Hockey News