Penguins Beat Deadline Buzzer: Acquire Rakell From Ducks

It’s official. The Penguins have, indeed, acquired scoring forward Rickard Rakell from Anaheim today.

Rakell, 28, has scored 154 goals in 550 games over his 10-year NHL career, spent entirely with the Ducks. The native of Sundbyberg, Sweden, was at his best from 2016-18 when he tallied 33 and 34 goals over a two-season span.

Although his numbers sagged the past few seasons along with the Ducks’ fortunes, dipping to nine goals in 52 games last season, the 6’1”, 195-pounder’s experienced a resurgence this season, netting 16 goals and 28 points in 51 games.

In terms of style, Rakell’s said to be a lot like Kasperi Kapanen…or at least who Kappy is supposed to be. Right-hand shot who can play either wing, dangerous off the rush, shoot-first mentality, good puck support, needs a playmaking center to get the most out of his abilities. Presumably he’ll skate alongside Evgeni Malkin in the ‘Burgh.

The price? The Pens gave up a second-round pick, goaltending prospect Calle Clang and forwards Zach Aston-Reese and Dominik Simon. I think we’ll come to miss ZAR and his solid defensive work and physical bent. A shame he couldn’t score more. Not to down Simon…he worked his tail off and was good at driving possession…but it was time to move on.

In the final season of a six-year deal, Rakell’s cap hit is $3.79 million…a bit over the combined cap hits of ZAR and Simon ($2.475 million). The Ducks are retaining 35 percent of Rakell’s salary to keep the ledger balanced.

My take? We’re a better team following the trade. Yet another job well done by GM Ron Hextall.