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Penguins Opt for Patience Over Deadline Deals
Pittsburgh stands pat at trade deadline despite injuries to key players
Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:03pm
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The NHL Trade Deadline has passed, and the Pittsburgh Penguins roster stayed relatively the same when the clock struck the proverbial midnight on Friday, Mar. 6. Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas only made one move on deadline day, acquiring Elmer Soderblom from the Detroit Red Wings for a 2026 third-round draft pick. Despite injuries to key players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, Dubas decided against making any major trades, opting to build for the future rather than mortgage assets for a short-term playoff push.
Why it matters
The Penguins are currently fighting for a playoff spot in a competitive Eastern Conference, and their lack of activity at the deadline has raised questions about their commitment to winning this season. However, Dubas' decision to stay the course aligns with a long-term plan to rebuild the team once their aging core of Crosby, Malkin, and Kris Letang eventually retire.
The details
The Penguins were linked to several big-name players leading up to the deadline, including the Blues' Robert Thomas and the Stars' Jason Robertson, but the reported asking prices were too high for Dubas. Instead, the GM opted to acquire the towering Elmer Soderblom from the Red Wings, providing some extra depth for a lineup that has been battered by injuries in recent weeks.
- The NHL Trade Deadline passed on Friday, Mar. 6, 2026.
- Sidney Crosby suffered a knee injury at the Olympics and will miss time.
- Evgeni Malkin was suspended for five games for a slash to the face of Buffalo's Rasmus Dahlin and will return on Mar. 16.
- Justin Brazeau is week-to-week with an upper-body injury.
The players
Kyle Dubas
The general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins who opted to stay relatively quiet at the trade deadline.
Sidney Crosby
The captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins who suffered a knee injury at the Olympics and will miss time.
Evgeni Malkin
A star player for the Pittsburgh Penguins who was suspended for five games for a slash to the face of Buffalo's Rasmus Dahlin and will return on Mar. 16.
Justin Brazeau
A Pittsburgh Penguins player who is week-to-week with an upper-body injury.
Elmer Soderblom
A towering 6-foot-8 player acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins from the Detroit Red Wings at the trade deadline.
The takeaway
The Penguins' decision to stay relatively quiet at the trade deadline, despite injuries to key players, reflects a long-term approach to rebuilding the team once their aging core eventually retires. While it may be frustrating for fans hoping for a playoff push this season, Dubas' patient strategy could pay dividends in the years to come.
