Penguins Forward Rickard Rakell Faces Scoring Drought
The 32-year-old forward remains goalless through nine games of the 2026-27 NHL season.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Hockey
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Pittsburgh Penguins veteran Rickard Rakell has yet to score a goal during the 2026-27 season, recording only two assists in nine games. He is currently riding a seven-game streak without registering a single point.
Why it matters
Rakell remains a central figure in NHL trade speculation as the Penguins organization reportedly explores moving veteran players to acquire younger talent. His ability to produce on the top line alongside Sidney Crosby is vital for his value in any potential transaction.
Rakell leads all Pittsburgh Penguins forwards in five-on-five shot attempts per 60 minutes and ranks second in power-play attempts. He has recorded two assists while maintaining a seven-game point-less streak.
The players
Rickard Rakell
He is a 32-year-old forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who plays on the team's top line.
Sidney Crosby
He is a veteran superstar center for the Pittsburgh Penguins who skates on the top line with Rickard Rakell.
Emmeli Rakell
She is the wife of Rickard Rakell who recently turned to social media to comment on her husband's scoring drought.
The details
Despite his scoring slump, Rakell continues to generate high-danger chances and net-front looks while skating on the team's top line. His wife, Emmeli Rakell, recently posted a lighthearted request on Instagram seeking to remove a supposed curse from her husband.
Timeline
Current 2026-27 season: Rickard Rakell remains goalless.
October 17-18, 2026: Emmeli Rakell posted an Instagram request regarding her husband.
Season Trajectory
The Penguins organization is currently exploring trades involving veteran players to prioritize younger talent. This shift marks a strategic pivot for the roster as the front office assesses the team's competitive standing for the remainder of the season.
Rakell's lack of production significantly impacts fantasy rosters and team rotation depth for those tracking the Pittsburgh Penguins. His high volume of shot attempts indicates a potential for positive regression, which remains the primary metric for evaluating his remaining trade value.
The takeaway
Scoring slumps for top-line players often trigger significant roster adjustments as teams look to maximize asset value. Readers should monitor future team lineups to see if the organization elects to promote younger players into top-line roles.
Further reading
For more insights into the team's current performance, visit Pittsburgh Hockey.
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Do you believe it is appropriate for athletes' families to use humor regarding performance slumps publicly?
