Season Grades
The Pittsburgh Penguins wrapped up a season that delivered mixed results for two of their middle‑six centers, each of whom entered the year with very different expectations.
Ben Kindel, the 18‑year‑old rookie selected as the first of the team’s three first‑round picks, was not projected to make the opening night roster, yet he carved out a regular spot and finished with 18 goals and 35 points in 77 games.
His defensive reliability shone through, as he logged the highest number of defensive zone starts and faceoffs among the group, earning an A+ from the coaching staff for exceeding early projections.
A Veteran’s Uneven Journey
Tommy Novak, acquired at the 2025 trade deadline with the notion that he would become a nightly staple, endured a rocky first six weeks in which defensive miscues compounded a lack of scoring.
The 28‑year‑old managed just 16 goals and 42 points over 82 appearances, but a mid‑season surge saw him post 11 points in 14 games, hinting at the offensive upside the front office had hoped for.
Coach Dan Muse praised Novak’s poise with the puck and his positional play away from it, but the overall grade of B‑ reflected the gap between promise and production.
Looking Ahead
With Sidney Crosby still anchoring the top line, there is speculation that Novak could be pressed into duty as his linemate next season, while Kindel’s emergence adds depth to a forward group that may no longer need to rely on veteran stopgaps.
General manager Ron Hextall now faces a decision: retain Novak as a potential trade chip or explore a roster reshuffle that could see the young center given more offensive responsibility.
The contrasting trajectories of Kindel and Novak underscore a broader theme for the Penguins: a blend of youthful breakout performances and the need to evaluate whether veteran acquisitions can meet the high standards set by a storied franchise.