Penguins Lose Brazeau to Injury, Debut Soderblom

Crosby nearing return as Penguins shuffle lineup amid injuries and suspensions

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Penguins announced that winger Justin Brazeau will miss Sunday's game against the Boston Bruins due to an upper-body injury. In his place, the team will debut newly acquired forward Elmer Soderblom, who was traded from the Detroit Red Wings. Meanwhile, star center Sidney Crosby has begun skating and could join the team on an upcoming five-game road trip, though his return is not yet confirmed. The Penguins have been dealing with a rash of injuries and suspensions, going 2-2-2 without Crosby and now also missing Evgeni Malkin for four more games due to a suspension.

Why it matters

The Penguins have been hit hard by injuries and suspensions this season, forcing them to shuffle their lineup and rely on new acquisitions and young players to fill key roles. Crosby's potential return would be a major boost, but the team will need to continue finding ways to win without their top stars as they push for a playoff spot.

The details

The Penguins announced that winger Justin Brazeau will miss Sunday's game against the Boston Bruins due to an upper-body injury. In his place, the team will debut newly acquired forward Elmer Soderblom, who stands at 6-foot-8 and 246 pounds. Soderblom was traded from the Detroit Red Wings just before the NHL trade deadline. Meanwhile, star center Sidney Crosby has begun skating and joined the team for practice on Friday, raising hopes that he could return during the team's upcoming five-game road trip. However, the Penguins will still be without Evgeni Malkin for four more games due to a suspension.

  • On Sunday, March 8, 2026, the Penguins will play the Boston Bruins.
  • In the week since the announcement of Sidney Crosby's injury timeline, he has begun skating and joined the team for practice on Friday, March 7, 2026.

The players

Justin Brazeau

A winger for the Pittsburgh Penguins who will miss Sunday's game due to an upper-body injury.

Elmer Soderblom

A 6-foot-8, 246-pound forward who was recently acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins from the Detroit Red Wings and will make his Penguins debut on Sunday.

Sidney Crosby

The star center for the Pittsburgh Penguins who has begun skating and practicing with the team as he nears a return from his injury.

Evgeni Malkin

The star center for the Pittsburgh Penguins who will miss the next four games due to a suspension.

Kyle Dubas

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins who acquired Elmer Soderblom from the Detroit Red Wings.

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What they’re saying

“The things that have stood out on him throughout this year have been his ability to forecheck, get in on the forecheck, disrupt pucks, and win pucks back. And I think for us, that's one thing that we'd identified is … having a little bit more of that throughout the lineup would be good.”

— Kyle Dubas, General Manager, Pittsburgh Penguins (pittsburghhockeynow.com)

“Obviously, he's been skating. He skated with the group. I think all, like I mentioned — I think all, all final decisions will be made afterward (following the game Sunday).”

— Mike Muse, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Penguins (pittsburghhockeynow.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Penguins' ability to overcome a rash of injuries and suspensions will be tested as they look to maintain their playoff position, but the potential return of Sidney Crosby could provide a much-needed boost as they navigate a challenging upcoming road trip.