With just one game remaining in the regular season, Pittsburgh is awaiting its first-round playoff matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers and will rest several key players, including Rickard Rakell. The 32-year-old Swedish forward concludes the 2025-26 season with 48 points (24G / 24A) in 60 games. Avery Hayes will draw into the lineup as Rakell's replacement.
Rakell participated in Pittsburgh's morning skate on Thursday, but apparently aggravated something and will not play against the Buffalo Sabres. The 32-year-old Rakell has 24 points (10G / 14A) in 35 games this season.
Rakell has not played since October 25th, missing 20 straight games due to a wrist injury, but returned to practice earlier this week and could draw into the lineup as soon as this weekend. The 32-year-old forward was playing on the top line alongside Sidney Crosby and on the top powerplay unit, streaking for eight points (3G / 5A) in seven games leading up to his injury.
Rakell has not played since October 25th, missing 19 straight games due to a hand injury, but appears to be nearing a return after practicing on Tuesday. The 32-year-old forward was playing on the top line alongside Sidney Crosby and on the top powerplay unit, streaking for eight points (3G / 5A) in seven games leading up to his injury.
Rakell has been one of the most productive scorers for the Penguins lately but did not play on Monday against the Los Angeles Kings due to personal reasons. The 31-year-old forward has 40 points (23G / 17A) in 48 games this season, including 28 points (16G / 12A) in his last 25. He is poised to flirt with his career-high 69-point total (34G / 35A) from the 2017-18 season with the Anaheim Ducks.
Rakell has been one of the most productive scorers for the Penguins lately but will not play on Monday against the Los Angeles Kings due to personal reasons. The 31-year-old forward has 40 points (23G / 17A) in 48 games this season, including 28 points (16G / 12A) in his last 25. He is poised to flirt with his career-high 69-point total (34G / 35A) from the 2017-18 season with the Anaheim Ducks.
Rakell has missed 12 straight games due to an upper-body injury but will return to the lineup for the first time since November 19th. Before his injury, Rakell was pacing for the worst season of his career, with only four points (0G / 4A) in 17 games. His zero goals on 44 shots rank worst among all forwards with over 30 shots this season.
Rakell has missed 12 straight games due to an upper-body injury but could return to the lineup for the first time since November 19th. Before his injury, Rakell was pacing for the worst season of his career, with only four points (0G / 4A) in 17 games. His zero goals on 44 shots rank worst among all forwards with over 30 shots this season.
Rakell has not played since November 19th due to an upper-body injury but was a full participant at practice on Friday, indicating his return to action is imminent. Before his injury, Rakell was pacing for the worst season of his career, with only four points (0G / 4A) in 17 games. His zero goals on 44 shots rank worst among all forwards with over 30 shots this season.
Rakell has struggled so far in 2023-24 with no goals and only four assists, 44 SOG, two PIMs, and a -2 plus/minus in 17 games but will now be forced out long-term with an upper-body injury. The 30-year-old right winger joins Bryan Rust, and Chad Ruhwedel on Pittsburgh's growing injury report Tuesday.
Rakell has been sidelined since Game 1 of the series but is on the ice for warmups ahead of Game 7 and is expected to play.
Rakell skated with the team in a non-contact fashion on Monday, so it appears he's inching closer to playing but will not play in Game 4. Rakell remains day-to-day and has not played since Game 1.
Rakell suffered an upper-body injury in Game 1 and will miss Game 2 in New York. It's unclear who will replace him in the lineup but Jason Zucker (lower-body) is a game-time decision, so it could be him if he's deemed good-to-go.
Rakell was hurt on a hit from Ryan Lindgren in Game 1 and did not return to the game. Head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters that Rakell was still being evaluated and is considered day-to-day.
Rakell did not arrive in time for the morning skate but is still expected to make his debut vs. the Blue Jackets. With him missing the morning skate, it's unclear who he will skate with.
