The Pittsburgh Penguins endured a frightening situation on their flight home from Salt Lake City following Monday's 5-4 loss to the Utah Mammoth at Delta Center.

Sophomore forward Ben Kindel suffered a medical episode shortly after takeoff, causing the plane to return to the airport. General manager Kyle Dubas provided more clarity Thursday.

Dubas told reporters, including The Athletic's Josh Yohe, that Kindel collapsed about 10 minutes into the flight and regained consciousness after receiving oxygen. He was subsequently cleared to travel back to Pittsburgh.

Two doctors, along with Nick Bonino and Jason Spezza, stayed with Kindel in Utah.

The plane returned to Salt Lake City International Airport after the team's physician and medical staff attended to the 19-year-old on board. An ambulance then transported him to the University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation.

The Penguins released a statement Tuesday detailing the incident.

“The Pittsburgh Penguins team plane returned to the Salt Lake City International Airport today shortly after takeoff due to a medical episode involving forward Ben Kindel. Team physician, Dr. Dharmesh Vyas of UPMC, as well as the team’s medical staff were on board and immediately attended to Ben,” the statement read.

“An ambulance was waiting upon arrival, and he was taken to the University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation. Ben is conscious, alert and in stable condition. The health and safety of our players, as well as the privacy for their families, are our top priority. The team will provide further updates when appropriate.”

Dubas said Thursday that the team hopes Kindel can return to practice next week, although that will depend on further test results.

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Kindel, selected 11th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, is in his second season with Pittsburgh. He finished ninth in Calder Trophy voting in 2025-26 after recording 17 goals and 35 points in 77 games while averaging more than 15 minutes of ice time.

The British Columbia native has two goals and four points in nine appearances this season while playing in Pittsburgh's top six.

The Penguins return to action against the Florida Panthers at PPG Paints Arena on Thursday night, looking to snap a four-game losing streak.