The Pittsburgh Penguins have had a strong start to the 2025-26 season. The team currently sits in second place in the Metropolitan Division. However, the Penguins will be without one of their top forwards for the next six-to-eight weeks.
Rickard Rakell Undergoes Surgery
Rickard Rakell is expected to miss 6-8 weeks after undergoing hand surgery, the Penguins announced. pic.twitter.com/jDyx7kAgbX
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 26, 2025
Rakell was injured in the Penguins’ game Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Rickard sustained the injury while blocking a shot in the third period.
Rakell underwent surgery on his left hand on Sunday. The surgery was performed by Dr. John Fowler. The forward will miss the next six-to-eight weeks while he recovers.
In preperation for Rakell’s absence, the Penguins called up forward Ville Koivunen from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, the Penguins’ American Hockey League affiliate.
Rakell’s Start
Rakell has recorded eight points in nine games, including three goals. The 32-year old is coming off a career-high 35 goals last season.
Rakell Likely to Miss Homecoming
There is no good time for an injury to happen. However, some times are worse than others. Rakell’s injury is likely to cause him to miss the NHL Global Series, which is being played in his native Sweden. The Penguins play the Nashville Predators twice in Sweden. As of now, it seems Rakell will not be playing. Rakell could still travel with the team to Sweden and be present for the event. However, it will not be the same as if he was playing.
Adding insult to injury, Rakell’s injury could hurt his chances to play for Team Sweden in the upcoming Winter Olympics. However, Rakell is projected to return to the lineup before well before the Olympics, so he could still find his way on the Swedish team.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire- Imagn Images
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