Penguins’ Ben Kindel to return after missing time following vasovagal episode

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel is set to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Utah Mammoth. Head coach Dan Muse confirmed his availability alongside forwards Evgeni Malkin and Egor Chinakhov. Kindel missed time after suffering a vasovagal episode on a team flight from Salt Lake City International Airport last week, where he collapsed and had to be administered oxygen before regaining consciousness.

General manager Kyle Dubas and Kindel both credited the flight crew, medical staff, and trainers for their swift response. Kindel returned to the ice over the weekend and reported feeling normal again. Now in his second NHL season, Kindel has tallied four points in nine games as Pittsburgh looks to extend its winning streak to three games.