Kettles (shoulder) agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract with Pittsburgh on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Kettles was putting together a good start to the 2025-26 campaign, notching three points in five WHL contests. However, the 18-year-old blueliner's 2025-26 campaign was effectively ended when he underwent shoulder surgery Friday that will require a 6-7 month recovery timeline. Even with a lengthy absence, Kettles could push for a spot on the Opening Night roster for the 2026-27 campaign.

Kettles scored a goal on two shots and added an assist in WHL Swift Current's 4-3 overtime loss to Red Deer on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

This was Kettles' season debut for the Broncos. The defenseman sustained an injury prior to the Penguins' prospect tournament that sidelined him for all of NHL training camp and nearly a month of the WHL campaign. The 18-year-old defenseman was selected 39th overall by Pittsburgh in 2025 and will likely have another year after this one in junior hockey before making a move to either the NCAA, as long as he doesn't sign an entry-level contract, or the AHL if he does ink a deal.

Kettles (undisclosed) has not been participating at the Penguins' camp and did not skate with the non-game group Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Kettles hasn't signed his entry-level deal since being selected in the second round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. It's not yet clear when Kettles will return to the ice, though that will likely happen with WHL Swift Current rather than the big club.

Kettles is dealing with an undisclosed injury that will sideline him for the Penguins' Prospect Challenge, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Kettles was a long shot to make the Penguins' Opening Night roster even without this injury delaying his development. Still, the 2025 second-round pick should get a look during training camp if he is healthy enough in time to participate. After that, expect Kettles to return to WHL Swift Current for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign.