The Pittsburgh Penguins have had a very interesting season. They are one of the leagues biggest surprises considering where many thought they’d be in the standings to where they actually are. Their team has found its groove and have had some great success.
That’s a front office dream, as they can elected to put full confidence in this team to get them into the playoffs. Kyle Dubas and his staff decided to stay relatively quiet at the 2026 trade deadline, making only one minor move. But the biggest headline this season, is that this Penguins team is making a hard push for the 2026 playoffs.
Here is the latest news and rumours surrounding the Penguins.
Evgeni Malkin’s Future
One of the biggest questions in Pittsburgh right now is the status of Evgeni Malkin. He publicly said that he would like to play another season. However, with him being a pending unrestricted free agent, it has people question his future with the organization.
It has been reported that contract negotiations will be pushed to the summer with Dubas. However, there was plenty of speculation that this could be Malkin’s final year in a Penguins sweater. But with 50 points in 47 games, he is proving he still has plenty left in the tank. Dubas reportedly asked Malkin if he wants to play in 2026-27, and the answer was a firm “yes.” Now, it’s just a matter of finding a number that works for both sides once the season wraps up. Especially, given how well this season has gone with the addition of some of the younger players alongside the veterans.
The Addition of Elmer Soderblom
The lone move Dubas made on deadline day was acquiring 6-foot-8 forward Elmer Soderblom from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick. Soderblom is only 24 years old and is signed through next season, fitting the age group the Penguins are trying to build around. He also adds some size to the lineup alongside Justin Brazeau.
Related: Sidney Crosby’s Return Provides Timely Boost for the Penguins
Pittsburgh doesn’t have anyone with Soderblom’s massive frame in their system. Management saw a chance to bring in a young forward with NHL experience and place him within their bottom-six. He’s expected to get a long look down the stretch to see if the Penguins’ development staff can unlock his offensive potential. If he can become a consistent net-front presence, he will be a strong asset to a very skilled Penguins lineup.
Crosby Returns to the Lineup
The Penguins’ captain Sidney Crosby made his return to the lineup last night against the Carolina Hurricanes. Crosby hasn’t played since the Olympic break after suffering a lower-body injury in the quarterfinals against Czechia on a hit from Radko Gudas. While the Penguins managed to stay in the playoff race without him, going 5-3-3 during his 11-game absence. getting him back is a massive boost for a team currently sitting second in the Metropolitan Division.
Crosby was having an incredible season before the injury, putting up 27 goals and 59 points in 56 games. His return comes exactly four weeks to the day since he was sidelined, and he jumped straight into the fire against a division-leading Hurricanes, which are the types of games that he shines the brightest in. With the playoffs less than a month away, having Crosby and Malkin both healthy and producing at the same time makes the Penguins a very dangerous out in the East.
