Babcock glowing about Kindl’s ‘transformation’.

Babcock is delighted with the progress of rookie defenseman Jakub Kindl.

“I said to (assistant coach) Brad McCrimmon on the ice today, (Kindl) is a different person,” Babcock said. “From training camp to this point ... it’s unbelievable. It may be the greatest transformation I’ve ever seen.

“I don’t know why, but I think Rusty (defense partner Ruslan Salei) has been real good with him. Brad’s doing a good job, and (Kindl’s) put in a lot of time in the gym and he’s stronger and more confident.”

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Kindl is playing with more poise and has been more physical lately.

“What you try to do is take baby steps. Then you end up moving in and taking somebody’s job, and that’s what he’s trying to do,” Babcock said. “So good for him and good for us.”

Asked about Kindl’s upside, Babcock said, “Does he have a chance to be a top-four D-man? I don’t know the answer to that. That will be determined by how hard he works and how much time he spends in the gym.”

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