Penguins’ Rickard Rakell Named To Sweden’s 4 Nations Roster

The Pittsburgh Penguins will have more representation at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Rickard Rakell was named to Sweden’s roster Tuesday. The 31-year-old replaced Vegas Golden Knights forward William Karlsson, who is week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

“First of all, we’re thrilled for him,” Mike Sullivan, who will coach the United States, said, per NHL.com. “We’re certainly proud of him. He’s a really good player, a great person. We think he’s deserving.

“… I think ‘Raks’ has just, quietly, had a really strong season, a consistent game since training camp. He’s playing the game the right way. He’s playing on both sides of the puck. He has a hardness to his game. He’s stiff on the puck. He’s physical, he’s willing to block shots. He’s playing defense. The offensive side, everybody sees. But he’s committed to a lot of the subtleties that, on our mind, adds to winning. So, we couldn’t be happier for him. We think he’s so deserving and we’re certainly proud of him.”

Rakell’s performed well since his initial snub from Sweden’s 4 Nations roster. The veteran forward scored 23 goals and recorded 22 assists for 45 points in 53 games this season. He joins Sidney Crosby and countryman and alternate captain Erik Karlsson as the Penguins’ representatives in the 4 Nations Face-Off. Rakell was last on the international stage in the 2021 World Championships.

The 4 Nations Face-Off begins Feb. 12, with Sweden taking on Canada.