"Rickard proved that he is a great addition to our team this season," said Hextall. "He brings versatility and offense to our lineup, and we know he will be an impactful player for us going forward."
Rakell, 29, recorded 20 goals, 21 assists and 41 points in 70 games in 2021-22, including 13 points (4G-9A) in 19 games following his trade to Pittsburgh on March 21. His 13 points with Pittsburgh were the fifth-most on the team following his acquisition. Last season marked Rakell's fourth season hitting the 20-goal plateau, and first since he scored a career-high 34 tallies in 2017-18.
Rakell also suited up for Games 1 and 7 in Pittsburgh's First Round playoff series in 2022, recording six shots.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound forward is a veteran of 569 games and eight-plus seasons, split between Anaheim (2012-22) and Pittsburgh, where he has recorded 158 goals, 194 assists and 352 points. From his first full season in Anaheim in 2014-15 through the time of his trade to Pittsburgh, Rakell's 154 goals and 33 power-play goals with the Ducks were the most on Anaheim, while his 335 points were second to only Ryan Getzlaf (405).
The 2018 NHL All Star's best NHL season came in 2017-18 when he recorded career highs across the board in games played (77), goals (34), assists (35), points (69), power-play goals (8) and power-play points (18). One season prior in '16-17, Rakell scored a career-high 10 game-winning goals, the most in the league that season.
Rakell has also suited up for 48 career playoff games with the Ducks and Penguins, recording 11 goals, eight assists and 19 points.
Prior to turning professional, Rakell played three seasons with the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League, recording 69 goals and 151 points in 149 career games from 2010-13. Rakell was coached by Penguins' assistant coach Mike Vellucci when he was Plymouth's general manager and head coach.
The Sundbyberg, Sweden native represented his home country internationally at the 2011 and '12 World Junior Championship, winning gold and silver medals, respectively. He also played at the 2018 World Championships, where he won the gold medal with Team Sweden and was named to the tournament's All-Star Team after recording 14 points (6G-8A) in 10 games.
Rakell was originally drafted in the first round (30th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft by the Ducks.
