Hockey

Penguins Acquire Forward Elmer Soderblom from Red Wings on Deadline Day

by
Richard Hayes
March 6, 2026

The Pittsburgh Penguins made a notable move on trade deadline day, acquiring forward Elmer Soderblom from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a third-round draft pick in 2026, originally belonging to the San Jose Sharks. This announcement came directly from President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas, marking a strategic addition to the Penguins’ roster.

Soderblom, a towering presence at 6-foot-8 and weighing 252 pounds, is under contract through the 2026-27 season with an average annual value of $1.125 million. The 24-year-old forward has played in 39 games this season, recording two goals and one assist for a total of three points. His career in the NHL has spanned parts of the last three seasons, all with Detroit, where he has accumulated 22 points (11 goals and 11 assists) across 86 regular-season games.

In addition to his NHL experience, Soderblom has also made his mark in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins, participating in 119 games and tallying 23 goals and 31 assists for 54 points. He has seen action in 10 Calder Cup Playoff games over two seasons, showcasing his potential in high-stakes situations.

Before making the leap to North America, Soderblom played three seasons with Frolunda in Sweden’s top league, the SHL, where he notched 38 points (24 goals and 14 assists) in 90 regular-season games. His international experience includes representing Sweden at the 2021 World Junior Championship and the 2019 World Under-18 Championship, where he earned a gold medal.

Drafted by Detroit in the sixth round (159th overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft, Soderblom’s size and skill set have drawn comparisons to players like Justin Brazeau, who similarly navigated the transition to NHL-level play in their mid-20s. This acquisition aligns with Dubas’s vision for the Penguins to secure younger, NHL-ready talent capable of making an immediate impact. With Soderblom’s manageable salary cap hit, the Penguins maintain their own third-round selection in the 2026 draft, allowing for future strategic opportunities.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

Richard Hayes

Richard Hayes is the go-to writer for all things soccer at 21Sports.com. His international perspective and in-depth knowledge of the game have made him a trusted voice in the industry. Richard’s experience covering major leagues around the world allows him to offer unique insights that resonate with both casual fans and die-hard enthusiasts. When not covering matches, Richard enjoys coaching youth soccer in his community.