The Anaheim Ducks have traded productive wing Rickard Rakell to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 28-year-old has been one of the team’s most productive players for several years, but it is clear he held more value as a trade chip. In return, the Ducks have acquired Dominic Simon, Zach-Aston Reese and a 2022 second-round pick.
Rickard Rakell is heading to the #pens for a prospect and second-round pick.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 21, 2022
Ducks Trade Rickard Rakell
Rakell has been a very solid piece for Anaheim in the 2021-22 season. In 51 games played, he has 16 goals, and 12 assists, totalling 28 points. Rakell will be on his way to Pittsburgh to help give some more depth scoring. They obviously have the big names there, but their depth lacks a little more compared to other Eastern teams. This could help solve that issue.
The Ducks originally drafted Rakell in the first round of the 2011 Draft and have watched him develop into a quality top-six forward. It took the 6’1″ skater a few seasons to solidify a role, but he then scored at least 20 goals for three consecutive seasons between 2015-16 and 2017-18. The raw numbers have declined from that stretch, but some of that coincides with Anaheim’s general struggles over the last few seasons.
What This Means For The Future
Rakell makes his new team much more dangerous. They acquire a proven goal-scorer whose contract doesn’t handicap them from spending further. This is a very good move as the deadline approaches.
This move also indicates that Anaheim is committed to more playing time for their young skaters. They are finally starting to see flashes from Max Comtois, Troy Terry and Sam Steel. In addition, Calder Trophy candidate Trevor Zegras is making splashes in the hockey world and helping his team win as well. Moving Rakell means even more opportunity for some of those players to develop into the weapons the team needs for the future.
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