Rickard Rakell to make Penguins debut Tuesday vs. Blue Jackets

The Pittsburgh Penguins have won four of their last five games and added some attacking power ahead of Monday's trade deadline when they landed forward Rickard Rakell via a deal with the Anaheim Ducks. 

Fans won't have to wait long to see Rakell skate with his new teammates. 

According to Wes Crosby of the NHL's website, Penguins coach Mike Sullivan confirmed that Rakell will make his Pittsburgh debut during the Tuesday evening home matchup versus the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

"As far as what he will bring, I think he's a guy that can help us on both sides of the puck," Sullivan said of the 28-year-old acquired for a second-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft and forwards Zach Aston-Reese and Dominik Simon, as well as goalie prospect Calle Clang. 

"He can, first and foremost, play the type of game that we're trying to play. I think he brings a lot of speed to his game. He has the ability to finish. He's a good goal scorer. He has good offensive instincts, but he also has awareness away from the puck, which is an important aspect of winning."

Across 51 contests with the Ducks this season, Rakell notched 16 goals and 12 assists. As noted by ESPN stats, only four Penguins have scored more goals than Rakell during the 2021-22 campaign. 

Pittsburgh will begin the night tied for second with the New York Rangers in the Metropolitan Division standings with 85 points. The Penguins play at the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday and are then at the Rangers on Friday.