Sidney Crosby delivered an emotional message after Pittsburgh Penguins rookie Ben Kindel suffered a medical emergency aboard the team’s plane. The incident left the organization concerned about the 19-year-old forward’s health and put the importance of team unity into perspective.
Speaking to NHL reporters inside the Penguins’ locker room, Crosby described the close relationships players develop through their time together.
“I think, whether it’s Kindy or anyone else, they mean a lot,” Crosby said. “Like I said, it’s family.”
MORE: Scary incident occurs on Penguins team plane Tuesday night
The Penguins captain explained that players share more than just time on the ice. They experience difficult moments together and want the best for everyone in the organization.
“These are people that we spend a lot of time with, that we go through a lot with, and you just want to see the best for everyone,” Crosby said. “A situation like that, it puts things in perspective pretty quickly.”
Sidney Crosby with a great answer when asked what Ben Kindel means to the team:
— Sam Len (@SamLenSports) October 22, 2026
“I think, whether it's Kindy [Kindel] or anyone else, they mean a lot. Like I said, it's family. These are people that we spend a lot of time with, that we go through a lot with, and you just want to… pic.twitter.com/p6jkE9WcBQ
Penguins provide update on Ben Kindel’s recovery
General manager Kyle Dubas revealed that Kindel collapsed approximately 10 minutes into the team’s return flight from Salt Lake City on Tuesday. The episode was diagnosed as vasovagal syncope, which can cause a temporary loss of consciousness.
Team physician Dr. Dharmesh Vyas and other medical staff immediately attended to Kindel. He received oxygen and regained consciousness, but the plane returned to Salt Lake City for an emergency landing.
Paramedics transported Kindel to the University of Utah Medical Center for further evaluation. He was later cleared to travel back to Pittsburgh with members of the Penguins’ medical and hockey operations staff.
The team placed Kindel on injured reserve while he undergoes additional testing. Dubas stressed that his health and safe return remain the organization’s priorities.
“The plan for Ben will be obviously increased testing, clearance medically, and then return to training and return to practice,” Dubas said.
Kyle Dubas spoke to the media this morning on the status of Ben Kindel. pic.twitter.com/YtnHDTkILm
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 22, 2026
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Kindel is beginning his second NHL season after Pittsburgh selected him 11th overall in the 2025 draft. He recorded two goals and two assists in his first nine games this season.
Crosby’s response reflected the concern surrounding the young forward. For the Penguins, ensuring Kindel’s recovery comes before any return-to-play timeline.
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