Restricted free agent forward Rickard Rakell has signed a six-year deal with the Anaheim Ducks. The deal is said to be worth $22.8 million in total and carries a $3.8 million AAV or annual cap hit. Rakell missed the first game of the new NHL season, sitting out with this contract dispute. TSN’s Bob McKenzie was first with the news.
Rickard Rakell agrees to terms with ANA on a six-year deal with an AAV of $3.8M.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 14, 2016
Anaheim Ducks Sign Rickard Rakell to a Six-Year Contract
Rakell, 23, was drafted by the Ducks in the first round, 30th overall, in the 2011 NHL Draft. He has played in 165 career NHL games since being drafted scoring 29 goals and 49 assists for 78 points. He had his best campaign last season scoring 20 goals and adding 23 assists for 43 points in just 72 games. Rakell has three goals and five points in 27 career playoff games. He also led the team with seven game winning goals last year, two of which were scored in overtime.
Rakell is an effective two-way player, often centring the Ducks third line. He plays tough opposition as well as killing penalties.
Rakell was part of Sweden’s 2016 World Cup of Hockey roster, but missed the tournament due to injury. He was also part of Sweden’s teams that won gold at the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championships, and silver at the 2013 World Juniors.
With Rakell signed, the Ducks will now focus on getting fellow restricted free agent Hampus Lindholm under contract. Lindholm, and Winnipeg Jets defenceman Jacob Trouba, who has requested a trade, remain the two significant restricted free agents in the NHL.
Main Photo:
NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 21: Rickard Rakell #67 of the Anaheim Ducks skates with the puck against the Nashville Predators during a NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on April 21, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/NHL/Getty Images)
