A review of 2025-26 NHL even-strength ice time found Pittsburgh’s second and third forward trios averaged 13:43 and 12:18 per game. The writer says Ben Kindel’s development may depend more on power-play chances than whether he is listed on the third line.
The review grouped forwards by their even-strength minutes per game and included only players who appeared in at least 40 games. Leaguewide, second trios averaged about 13:40 a game and third trios 12:40; fourth trios averaged roughly 9:30, a larger drop.
The writer says Pittsburgh could keep Kindel, Bryan Rust and Andrei Kuzmenko together if they show chemistry and can outplay opponents, regardless of their nominal line. The article identifies power-play time, especially with the first unit, as more consequential for Kindel’s offensive development and point production.
