The Pittsburgh Penguins announced on Sunday that right wing Rickard Rakell will miss 6-8 weeks after undergoing successful surgery on his left hand.
Rakell suffered an upper-body injury during Saturday’s 5-4 shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was struck with a shot on his left wrist at 4:54 of the third period.
Advertisement
The injury was later revealed to be a broken hand. His surgery was performed at UPMC Mercy Hospital on Sunday.
The Penguins posted the following statement on social media:
“Forward Rickard Rakell underwent successful surgery on his left hand today. The procedure was performed by Dr. John Fowler in collaboration with head team physician Dr. Dharmesh Vyas at UPMC Mercy Hospital. The expected recovery time is six to eight weeks.”
Pittsburgh Will Miss Rakell’s Scoring Touch
Mar 25, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Rickard Rakell (67) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn ImagesNathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The 32-year-old wing was off to a hot start to open the 2025-26 season. Rakell collected eight points (three goals, five assists) in nine games prior to the injury.
Advertisement
He registered 70 points (35 goals, 35 assists) in 81 regular season games last season.
It will be difficult for Pittsburgh to replace the scoring and playmaking that Rakell brings on a nightly basis.
Pens Call-Up Koivunen
Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Ville Koivunen (41) takes the ice for his rookie lap before making his NHL debut against the Ottawa Senators at PPG Paints Arena. Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesCharles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The Penguins recalled 22-year-old right wing Ville Koivunen from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL.
Koivunen recorded seven assists in eight games last season. He has skated in two games for the Penguins this season without registering a point.
Advertisement
Pittsburgh was predicted by the majority of experts to finish at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division. So far, the Pens have surprised many by opening the new season with a 6-2-1 record with 13 points.
The Penguins will host the St. Louis Blues on Monday at PPG Paints Arena.
Related: Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby Is Sharp as Ever as He Enters His 21st NHL Season
Related: Sidney Crosby Breaks Ultimate Penguins All-Time Record on Tuesday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.