Welcome to your 2025 NHL Entry Draft Headquarters right here at Last Word On Sports and Top Shelf Prospects. We have you covered with everything you will need to be ready for the big event. This year’s draft is set to take place on June 27th and 28th, live from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Today, we bring you our Benjamin Kindel Scouting Report.
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People are quickly starting to recognize Benjamin Kindel as one of the highest IQ players in this year’s draft. Projecting as a two-way center/winger with elite hockey sense, Kindel’s game is built upon vision, awareness, and strong habits. While he may not overwhelm with size or raw speed, he constantly influences the game with subtle manipulations, timely reads, and a competitive motor.
Benjamin Kindel Scouting Report: 2025 NHL Draft #21
Right Wing/Center – Shoots Right
Born Apr 19, 2007 – Coquitlam, BC, CAN
Height 5’10” – Weight 176 lbs [178cm|80kg]
Also in relation to @nhl draft…
if Ben Kindel goes where projected to? IE ~20-35?
Then someone will be getting a close to guaranteed steal.
If he were 6’2 he would be top 10 pick.
This years Gaudreau, Point, Kaprizov, DeBrincat, Guentzel, Konecny, Bratt, Cristall etc. #NHL
— Alexander Appleyard (@avappleyard) January 26, 2025
Offence
Kindel possesses an impressive arsenal of offensive skills that, when paired with his exceptional vision and poise, allow him to produce at above-average levels. When on the attack, Benjamin sees the ice well and can successfully feed open teammates for chances. His ability to manipulate defenders with subtle fakes and creative handling opens space, especially in the high slot and bumper areas. Although his shot isn’t anything special, Kindel has a deceptive release and can let it fly off his inside foot, creating deception and often fooling goaltenders.
BEN KINDEL BACK TO BACK OT WINNERS 🤯 pic.twitter.com/F9FV5jCpdy
— Calgary Hitmen (@WHLHitmen) April 19, 2025
Through his team’s 65 games this season, Kindel scored 35 goals and 99 points, leading the WHL in points by a draft-eligible player. He then followed his regular season success with 15 points in 11 playoff games and 7 points in 5 games for Team Canada at the IIHF World U18 Championship. Benjamin has made it clear that he has no problem putting up points, especially in higher-stakes games.
Defence
On the other side of the puck, Kindel plays a mature two-way game. Despite his size, he’s a persistent presence on the backcheck, using stick pressure and strong reads to disrupt plays. You will regularly find Kindel supporting below the puck, breaking up centering passes, and winning battles through body positioning and anticipation rather than brute strength. He works hard, battles hard, and doesn’t give up on plays without a fight.
When shorthanded, Kindel is a force on the penalty kill, pressuring puck carriers and reading play development, while effectively maintaining the defensive structure. Occasionally, Benjamin will become overwhelmed by physically larger opponents, leading to turnovers and lost battles. Despite this, his technique and motor often make up for it, allowing him to outwork and out-position the opposition. Improving his strength will go a long way in ensuring he can maintain that effectiveness at the NHL level.
Nobody’s #NHLDraft stock is rising quite like Ben Kindel’s!@WHLHitmen | #WHLPlayoffs | #WHLStats pic.twitter.com/4oQwmMtKum
— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) April 19, 2025
Comparison and Projection
The two players that come to mind when watching Kindel are Marco Rossi (Minnesota Wild) and Brayden Point (Tampa Bay Lightning). All three are slightly undersized forwards, but think the game at a high level, compete hard, and drive play through intelligence and timing rather than brute force. It’s not expected that Kindel will produce at a level close to Point, but stylistically, they play similar games. Rossi, on the other hand, may be a more accurate projection in terms of offensive product.
The floor for Kindel is relatively high. He possesses a standout work ethic, two-way production, and an ability to elevate when needed. He’s a coach’s player and has the potential to play up and down the lineup. If he can work on adding some muscle while continuing to improve his two-way game, Benjamin Kindel has a bright future in the NHL. Expect his name to be called in the 15-30 range in June.
Main Photo: Joe Camporeale- Imagn Images
