Observations:

October 2014 – Rakell is looking to be a strong contender for the third-line center position to start the year off with the Anaheim Ducks, as per Eric Stephens from the OC Register. He has continued his solid play from last season after seeing a brief stint with the big club last season. Kevin Won

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January 2014 – Rakell has been on a tear recently, with 18 points in his last 18 games. His steady production has accounted for Norfolk’s 6-1-0-3 record over the last ten games. Already seeing a call up earlier this November, Rakell may see one more stint before the season ends. Look for him to make the full time jump in 2014-2015. Kevin Won

November 2013 – Rakell saw a brief stint with the Ducks, playing seven games and notching one assist. It was on a Cogliano goal where Rakell make a smart pass behind the net. He looks NHL ready, but needs to play more and as a result was sent down Kevin Won

March 2013 – In the recent OHL Western Conference Coaches Poll, Rakell was named the top defensive forward and finished second in voting for smartest player. In 40 games, Rakell netted 21 goals for 44 points and finished a plus-19 for the Plymouth Whalers. Brendan Ross

February 2013 –  Rickard Rakell has returned to the OHL with a vengance and has consequently been named the OHL Player of the Week (ending February 24th) after posting six goals and nine points in four weekly games. Brendan Ross

February 2013 – Rakell spent almost a month working with the Ducks in practice and he saw four NHL games before being assigned back to Plymouth of the OHL. Rakell should see a quick ascension to becoming an NHL player once his junior eligibility is complete, but he will need to compete for what role he will play when he gets there. He had 30 points in 32 OHL games before being summoned to Ducks’ camp. Jason Banks

October 2012 – Rakell is off to a “mediocre start” offensively, notching just six points in eight contests to kick off the OHL campaign. Brendan Ross

July 2012 – Rakell finished his second OHL season very strongly with 28 goals and 62 points in the regular season, followed up by another 12 points in 13 games in the playoffs. Rakell has recently signed his entry level contract for three years and has many options. Very likely to compete for a spot with the Ducks in camp, as currently, there are three openings on forward. Should he fail to make the NHL, the Ducks can assign him to pro in the AHL, to have close by for call ups or send him back to junior in Plymouth where he can push his development forward and save a contract year for Anaheim. Jason Banks

February 2012 – Rickard Rakell is a smooth skating centerman who plays a tough game and also has decent offensive abilities. Rakell plays a similar game to Gabriel Landeskog, but the latter has far more offensive upside. Rakell almost always appears on the score sheet for the Plymouth Whalers and been a key part of the team’s strong performance this season. Rakell mixes offense with physical presence nicely and will play an important role in the Whaler’s playoff run at the end of the season. Thomas Wall

Fantasy Outlook: B-

Rakell has the skills to be a top-six forward in the NHL, but his overall skill set could pigeonhole him as a checker.

Footage:

Lucky goal and great skating by Rickard Rakell:

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