Penguins' Rakell Named to Sweden's Olympic Hockey Team

Forward's first Olympic appearance marks milestone in NHL career

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell has been selected to represent Sweden in men's hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. The 31-year-old winger, who joined the Penguins in 2022 after nine seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, will be making his first Olympic appearance.

Why it matters

Rakell's selection to the Swedish Olympic team underscores the Penguins' contribution to international hockey competitions and the prestige of representing one's country at the Winter Games. For Rakell, the opportunity fulfills a lifelong dream of competing in the Olympics, which he has aspired to since watching Sweden's gold medal victory in 2006.

The details

Rakell earned his spot on the Swedish roster through consistent performance and experience in high-stakes games. He currently has 24 points, including 10 goals and 14 assists, through 35 games this season. His selection alongside teammate Erik Karlsson further highlights the Penguins' strong representation on the international stage.

  • Rakell was named to Team Sweden's roster this week.
  • The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

The players

Rickard Rakell

A 31-year-old forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who will be making his first Olympic appearance.

Erik Karlsson

Rakell's teammate on the Pittsburgh Penguins who was also selected for the Swedish Olympic hockey team.

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What they’re saying

“Apart from the Stanley Cup, it doesn't get better than this.”

— Rickard Rakell (world-today-news.com)

“That's a really strong memory for me to see all those guys play together. I just remember watching that game on TV. I still get goosebumps whenever I see highlights from that game.”

— Rickard Rakell (world-today-news.com)

What’s next

Rakell will join the Swedish national team in their preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics, which are scheduled to take place from February 6-22, 2026.

The takeaway

Rakell's selection to the Swedish Olympic hockey team represents a significant milestone in his NHL career, fulfilling a lifelong dream and showcasing the Penguins' strong international presence. The opportunity to compete on the global stage at the Winter Games is a rare and prestigious honor that Rakell is eager to embrace as he continues his pursuit of a Stanley Cup championship.