Rakell (Lower Body) Expected to Play for Sweden in Olympic Opener

Rickard Rakell, who has been dealing with a lower-body injury, is expected to return to action and play for Sweden against Italy on Wednesday at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The 32-year-old forward previously sat out the Pittsburgh Penguins' 5-2 loss to Buffalo before the Olympic break but has since been skating alongside Elias Pettersson and Mika Zibanejad in practices. This season, Rakell has recorded 10 goals, 24 points, 103 shots, 30 blocked shots, and 50 hits in 35 NHL appearances.