Pittsburgh Penguins Rickard Rakell undergoes hand surgery

The Pittsburgh Penguins are going to have to live by a 'next man up' mentality, as forward Rickard Rakell is out six-to-eight weeks after undergoing hand surgery.

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. pic.twitter.com/Ljp9dzjgDX
— Penguins PR (@PenguinsPR) October 26, 2025

Rakell departed Saturday's game against the Blue Jackets early and didn't return. So far on the season, the 32-year-old winger has scored three goals and eight points in nine games. The Penguins lost to the Blue Jackets 5-4 in a shootout and now move to 6-2-1 on the season.

The Penguins strong start has surprised many but losing Rakell is going to be a big hole for the team to fill. There's also been a ton of trade rumors surrounding Rakell since August, but to this point, if the Penguins can stay in the playoff picture, they won't be making any big moves.

Pittsburgh recalled Ville Koivunen to take Rakell's spot in the lineup, and the team is hoping he can bring the offense that he's displayed early on in the AHL.

The @WBSPenguins are off to a 7-0-0-0 start and are first in the AHL standings.

Danton Heinen - 1st in AHL in points (4G-8A)
Ville Koivunen - 2nd in AHL in points (4G-7A)

They’ve outscored opponents 28-10 and are rolling 🔥pic.twitter.com/q80fR3ZC9t
— Penguins PR (@PenguinsPR) October 26, 2025