Detroit Red Wings trade Elmer Soderblom to Pittsburgh Penguins on March 6 2026 for draft pick

The Red Wings traded Elmer Soderblom to Pittsburgh for a 2026 draft pick. Soderblom is very tall at 6-foot-8 and earns $1.125 million per year.
By Newsroom | Sports, Detroit |

PENGUINS ACQUIRE TOWERING FORWARD FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION

The Detroit Red Wings have sent forward Elmer Söderblom to the Pittsburgh Penguins, acquiring a 2026 third-round draft pick in return. The transaction occurred on March 6, 2026, a day marked by the NHL's trade deadline.

Söderblom, a 6-foot-8, 252-pound player, has managed 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) in 86 career regular-season games with Detroit. This season, he registered three points (two goals, one assist) in 39 appearances. He is currently under contract through the 2026-27 season with an average annual value of $1.125 million.

Red Wings trade Elmer Söderblom to Penguins for third-round pick - 1

A Roster Shuffle Before The Gong

The trade marks Detroit's second move around the deadline, following the acquisition of David Perron from the Ottawa Senators for a conditional fourth-round pick. The Söderblom deal positions the Red Wings to accumulate more future draft assets as General Manager Steve Yzerman continues to adjust the roster. This move also comes less than an hour before the deadline, suggesting a rapid, last-minute decision.

Read More: Sydney Kings win 105-104 vs Perth Wildcats in close semi-final Game 1

The implications for Detroit are seen as turning a "fringe NHL forward" into a draft asset. For fans who saw Söderblom as a "giant skill project," this move may represent a disappointment. It also signals a potential shift in the team's desired on-ice presence, possibly favoring players who can secure net-front position and finish plays more consistently, rather than relying solely on size.

Red Wings trade Elmer Söderblom to Penguins for third-round pick - 2

Penguins Seek A Fresh Start For Söderblom

For Pittsburgh, the acquisition of Söderblom offers him an opportunity for a "fresh start." He has reportedly struggled to secure a consistent role with the Red Wings. While considered an "effective NHLer" by some, his limited offensive output in Detroit has been noted. The Penguins are adding a player signed through the next two seasons, a potentially low-risk addition given the future draft capital exchanged. Whether this move will be viewed favorably by Pittsburgh fans remains a question, with some publications indicating no direct affiliation with the team for reporting on such matters.

Read More: Taylor Decker Asks Lions For Release From Team After 10 Years

Söderblom has also played in 119 career AHL games with the Grand Rapids Griffins, accumulating 54 points (23 goals, 31 assists). He has also appeared in 10 Calder Cup Playoff games across parts of two seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Detroit Red Wings trade Elmer Soderblom to the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 6 2026?
Detroit traded the player to get a third-round draft pick for the year 2026. This helps the team build for the future while moving a player who only scored three points this season.
Q: What did the Pittsburgh Penguins give to the Red Wings for Elmer Soderblom?
The Penguins gave Detroit a draft pick for the year 2026. In return, they get a very tall player who is 6-foot-8 and weighs 252 pounds.
Q: How much money does Elmer Soderblom earn after his trade to Pittsburgh?
Soderblom has a contract that pays him $1.125 million every year. This contract lasts until the end of the 2026-2027 hockey season.
Q: How many points did Elmer Soderblom score for Detroit before the March 2026 trade?
Soderblom played 86 games for Detroit and scored 22 points in total. During this current season, he only had two goals and one assist in 39 games.