Calgary Hitmen forward Ben Kindel stands out in WHL in preparation for 2025 NHL Draft

Benjamin Kindel, Calgary Hitmen dynamic forward, is now one of the most compelling 2025 NHL Draft names on the radar. The 18-year-old native of British Columbia is quickly moving up draft boards following a dynamite WHL campaign, displaying elite-level offensive acumen and a seasoned two-way game that has drawn NHL-ready comparables.

As his stock increases, Kindel appears set to make an immediate impact at the pro level before long.

Benjamin Kindel adds skill, vision, and leadership to class of 2025 NHL Draft

Benjamin Kindel may not be an imposing presence among his peers—5-foot-10 is the listed height—but the Calgary Hitmen forward possesses a confidence and assertiveness that draws the eye every time he takes the ice. A significant step up in scoring this last WHL season has cemented his standing as one of the top-ranked draft-eligible players in 2025. Following his 60-point rookie year, Ben Kindel's offense jumped to 99 points in his second season, an unmistakable sign of progress. A great deal of that is attributable to his polish on puck-handling, clever vision in traffic, and a far more effective shot now making him a true threat from any spot in the offensive zone.

Ben Kindel has also assumed important roles with the Calgary Hitmen, such as quarterbacking their number-one power play unit—something usually better suited for more experienced players.

Another indication of his hockey IQ and leadership abilities, both of which bode very well for projecting him at the NHL level. While some scouts have him as a possible top-10 prospect, others consider him a late first-rounder. That disparity is more a reflection of the strength of this draft class than any deficiency in Ben Kindel's game. If there is one criticism, it's that he'll sometimes seem to take his foot off the accelerator in situations of little importance—but that might be part of a strategy to conserve energy over a punishing schedule.

Kindel's play with linemate Oliver Tulk has stood out, with the Hitmen standout showing he's not merely catching a ride from good linemates—he's assisting in bringing them along.Also read: "More to come": Prime Video’s Mark Shapiro teases bigger, bolder NHL coverage in Season 2Benjamin Kindel might not be the top name going into the 2025 NHL Draft—not yet, at least. But with a combination of production, maturity, and offensive creativity that few players his age possess, he's bound to become one of the most valuable first-round picks. Whether or not he enters the top ten and stays there or falls later in the round, the team that drafts Kindel will be acquiring a player with top-six potential and the mentality to succeed at the next level.