Penguins' Surprise Season: Malkin, Crosby, Soderblom

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The Pittsburgh Penguins are turning heads of this season as one of the biggest surprises

in the league.

Many expected them to struggle, but they've hit their stride and sit second in the metropolitan

division with playoffs just weeks away.

The front office kept things quiet at the 2026 trade deadline, making only one small swap

to bolster the roster.

If any Malcolm remains a key question mark as a pending free agent, the 38-year-old

center has racked up 50 points in 47 games, showing he still has plenty to offer.

He told management he wants to play next season, and talks will heat up this summer to lock

him in alongside the team's mix of vets and young talent.

Sydney Crosby's return added huge momentum after his lower body injury from the Olympic

quarterfinals.

The captain missed 11 games, but the penguins went 5-3-3 without him.

Like after exactly four weeks, Crosby jumps in with 27 goals and 59 points from his prior

56 outings, making the top line, scary again against tough foes like the Hurricanes.

The lone deadline pick-up was 6-foot-8 forward, Elmer Soderblom from Detroit for a 2026

third-round pick.

At 24, he signed through next year and brings rare size to the bottom six, pairing well

with guys like Justin Brzo.

He's hoped to tap his net front skills for the stretch run.

With Malcolm and Crosby healthy, plus fresh legs like Soderblom, Pittsburgh lets prime

for a deep Eastern conference run.

Fans are buzzing about this unexpected charge.

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