NHL’s latest eligibility rule change could fast-track Penguins prospect Ben Kindel into pro hockey next season

The NHL’s decision to revise its AHL/CHL eligibility rule could shape the future of young stars, with Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Ben Kindel emerging as one of the biggest potential beneficiaries.

For decades, players under 20 were forced into a binary choice—remain in the CHL or leap directly to the NHL. Now, a fresh clause in the CBA allows each franchise to send one 19-year-old to the AHL, a move that could dramatically change developmental paths.

Ben Kindel’s path: WHL dominance or early AHL opportunity?

Kindel’s trajectory makes him a fascinating case study. The Calgary Hitmen forward dazzled in the WHL last season, blending elite offensive instincts with flashes of pro-level poise.

Yet, at 18, he remains in the thick of his physical and tactical development. Under old rules, Kindel would be locked into the WHL until he turned 20 unless he cracked Pittsburgh’s NHL roster outright—a daunting challenge for any teenager.

With the new eligibility window opening in 2026–27, the Penguins could deploy their exemption to place Kindel in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, where he’d face stiffer competition and refine his game under closer organizational oversight. It presents a crucial question: would Kindel’s growth accelerate more under the grind of AHL play, or through another dominant WHL campaign where his confidence continues to soar?

Why Penguins management sees the new AHL rule as a game changer

For Kyle Dubas and the Penguins’ front office, this change offers something invaluable—control.

Instead of waiting until prospects turn 20, management can now directly shape a teenager’s path against stronger, older competition. Playing in Wilkes-Barre not only provides daily exposure to NHL systems and coaches, but also keeps Kindel within immediate reach of Pittsburgh.The impact could ripple across the league. Past players who dominated junior hockey but were stuck waiting might have flourished sooner with this option. For the Penguins, it’s a chance to ensure their most promising prospect is tested, challenged, and prepared for the NHL spotlight earlier than previously possible.This subtle but significant rule shift could be the difference-maker that accelerates Ben Kindel’s rise from junior sensation to Pittsburgh’s next big star.Also Read: Controversial NHL rule change could make Auston Matthews one of the league’s biggest off-ice money makers