Anaheim Ducks‘ 1st round pick in the 2011 draft (#30 overall), Swedish-born center Rickard Rakell(13) received his first recall to the parent club but was returned a few days later before he had the opportunity to appear in his first big league game.
He played another couple of AHL contests with affliate Norfolk Admirals, the team he started his rookie campaign with, before being reassigned up again and got the nod for his first NHL game in a close 2-1 win against New York Rangers.
The 6’1″ 192 lbs. forward skated 16 shifts for 14:02 of total ice time, won more than half his face-off draws and registered three shots on net.
He was a point-per-game player in three seasons of junior hockey with Plymouth Whalers and even was on the Ducks‘ roster for 4 games to start after the lockout but was returned to the OHL to continue his development.
The 20-year old is signed to a three-year entry level deal through 2016 and although he may split time between playing in the show and the minors in his first season, he will likely not be spending too much more time in Virginia.