Brief Introduction of Rickard Rakell
Rickard Lars Gunnar Roland Rakell is a Swedish professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He is known for his scoring ability and two-way play. Rakell was drafted 30th overall in the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Anaheim Ducks and spent nine seasons with the team before being traded to the Penguins in 2022. Throughout his career, Rakell has set both personal and franchise records and has represented his home country of Sweden in international competitions, winning a gold medal at the 2018 IIHF World Championship. His skill and dedication have made him a respected forward in the league.
Rickard Rakell Overview
| Full Name | Rickard Lars Gunnar Roland Rakell |
| Date of Birth | May 5, 1993 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 32 |
| Birthplace | Sollentuna, Sweden |
| Profession | Professional Ice Hockey Player |
| Husband/Wife | Emmeli Rakell (née Lindkvist) |
| Family | Parents: Roland and Annika Rakell; Siblings: Robin (brother) and Rebecka (sister); Children: Daisy (daughter) and Ziggy (son) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Estimated career earnings of over $55 million |
Early Life and Education of Rickard Rakell
Rickard Rakell was born on May 5, 1993, in Sollentuna, Sweden, to Roland and Annika Rakell. He grew up in Stockholm with his older brother, Robin, and sister, Rebecka. Sports were a significant part of his upbringing. His grandfather, Åke Rakell, was a professional table tennis player who won a bronze medal at the 1959 World Championships, and his father is a tennis coach. Rakell himself played table tennis until he was 14, at which point he decided to focus solely on ice hockey. He played as a defenseman until switching to forward at age 14 to have more scoring opportunities. Growing up, he idolized fellow Swedish hockey players Mats Sundin and Patric Hornqvist. Information about his formal education is not publicly available, as he moved to North America as a teenager to pursue his hockey career.
Rickard Rakell’s Career
Rickard Rakell’s professional ice hockey career began to take shape when he moved to North America to play for the Plymouth Whalers in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) after being selected in the 2010 OHL Import Draft. He was encouraged to make the move by fellow Swede Gabriel Landeskog. After a successful rookie season with the Whalers, Rakell was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round, 30th overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
He played two more seasons with the Whalers, making his NHL debut with the Ducks on January 19, 2013, at the age of 19. He spent the next few seasons splitting his time between the Ducks and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals. The 2014-15 season was his first full season in the NHL. A notable early career achievement came during the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs when he became the first player in Ducks history to score his first career goal in the postseason.
Rakell’s offensive prowess continued to develop, and during the 2016-17 season, he scored a career-high 33 goals and led the league with 10 game-winning goals. He was selected to the NHL All-Star Game in 2018. After nine seasons with the Ducks, where he became a key offensive player, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 21, 2022. He quickly found his place with the Penguins, often playing on a line with stars like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. In July 2022, he signed a six-year, $30 million contract extension with the Penguins. During the 2024-25 season, he reached the 70-point mark for the first time in his career.
Internationally, Rakell has a distinguished career representing Sweden. He played in the World Junior Championships three times, winning a gold medal in 2012 and a silver medal in 2013. He made his senior debut at the 2018 IIHF World Championship, where he was instrumental in Sweden’s gold medal victory and was named to the tournament’s All-Star Team. He was also selected to represent Sweden in the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.
Rickard Rakell Personal Life & Family
Rickard Rakell is married to Emmeli Rakell (formerly Lindkvist). The couple has two children: a daughter named Daisy, born in 2022, and a son named Ziggy Steel, born in April 2025. The family also includes two black Labrador dogs named Stella and Heinz. Rakell is very family-oriented, often speaking about the supportive role his parents, Roland and Annika, have played in his life. His father, a tennis coach, instilled a love for sports in him from a young age. His older brother, Robin, also played hockey professionally in various European leagues. While with the Ducks, Rakell and his wife started a charitable program called “67 Assists” to help train service dogs in a live sporting event environment.
Awards and Achievements of Rickard Rakell
- J18 SM Gold Medal – 2008-09
- U17 WHC Bronze Medal – 2009-10
- CHL Top Prospects Game – 2010-11
- U20 WJC Gold Medal – 2011-12
- U20 WJC Silver Medal – 2012-13
- NHL Most Game Winning Goals (10) – 2016-17
- NHL All-Star Game – 2017-18
- World Championship Gold Medal – 2017-18
- World Championship All-Star Team – 2017-18
Rickard Rakell Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Rickard Rakell’s projected career earnings are over $55 million. His current contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins is a six-year, $30 million deal signed in 2022, which carries an average annual salary of $5 million. This entire contract is guaranteed. For the 2024-25 season, his base salary is $6 million. Prior to this, he had signed a six-year, $22.8 million contract with the Anaheim Ducks in 2016. His primary source of income is his NHL salary, though he may have additional income from endorsements and other business ventures, details of which are not publicly disclosed.
Legacy and Influence
Rickard Rakell has built a legacy as a skilled and versatile forward in the NHL. Known for his scoring touch and responsible two-way play, he has been a valuable asset to both the Anaheim Ducks and the Pittsburgh Penguins. In Anaheim, he established himself as a top offensive threat, recording multiple 30-goal seasons and setting franchise records, including being the first player to score his first career goal in the playoffs. His success paved the way for other young players in the organization. Since joining the Penguins, he has continued to be a significant contributor, adapting his game to play alongside some of the league’s biggest stars. Internationally, his gold medal-winning performance at the 2018 World Championship solidified his reputation as a clutch performer on the global stage. Off the ice, his charitable work with “67 Assists” demonstrates a commitment to his community.
Interesting Facts about Rickard Rakell
- His full name, Rickard Lars Gunnar Roland Rakell, includes the names of his father and two grandfathers.
- His grandfather, Åke Rakell, was an international table tennis player for Sweden.
- He played table tennis competitively until the age of 14 before dedicating himself to hockey.
- He learned to play the saxophone to perform a song at his wedding in 2021.
- His daughter Daisy’s name was inspired by the video game character from Mario Kart, which he and his wife played frequently during the pandemic.
- One of his dogs, Heinz, was named after Heinz Field in Pittsburgh before Rakell was ever traded to the Penguins.
- He wears a gold necklace that was a gift from his mother, Annika.
Controversies
There are no publicly known controversies involving Rickard Rakell. He maintains a professional and positive public image.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not publicly available
- Twitter – Information not publicly available
- YouTube – Not applicable
Final Words about Rickard Rakell
Rickard Rakell continues to be a key offensive player for the Pittsburgh Penguins, contributing with his goal-scoring ability and veteran presence. Despite some injury setbacks, he has demonstrated resilience and a high level of play. As he progresses through his current long-term contract, Rakell is focused on helping the Penguins compete for a Stanley Cup, a goal he cited as a major reason for re-signing with the team. His journey from a young player in Sweden to an established NHL star is a testament to his hard work and dedication. With a young and growing family, Rakell has expressed a desire to remain in Pittsburgh and continue building his legacy both on and off the ice. His combination of skill, experience, and character ensures he will remain an influential figure in the league for years to come.
