Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell has been named to Team Sweden’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, marking the first Olympic appearance of his National Hockey League career. The announcement, made this week, fulfills a long-held ambition for the 31-year-old winger, who described the opportunity as a “dream come true.”
Rakell, who joined the Penguins organization in 2022 after nine seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, earned his place 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 underscores the Penguins’ contribution to the international competition.
The Olympic call-up holds particular significance for Rakell, who grew up watching Swedish Olympic hockey and remembers vividly the team’s gold medal victory in 2006. “That’s a really strong memory for me to see all those guys play together,” he said, recalling watching players like Nicklas Lidstrom, Mats Sundin, and Peter Forsberg. “I just remember watching that game on TV. I still get goosebumps whenever I see highlights from that game.”
Rakell acknowledged the rarity of the opportunity, noting that the NHL did not release players for the 2014 Olympics, making this chance even more valuable. “You never know if it’s a last chance that you get to play in a tournament like that,” he stated. He similarly expressed gratitude for the support of his family, who celebrated the news with Swedish flags, balloons, and a custom jersey for their daughter, Daisy.
While acknowledging the immense honor, Rakell indicated that competing for a Stanley Cup remains his ultimate goal. “Apart from the Stanley Cup, it doesn’t get better than this,” he said, emphasizing the prestige of the Olympic Games. He added that he had been considering the possibility of playing in the Olympics throughout the previous year and the summer.
Rakell’s inclusion in the Swedish Olympic team comes after a strong performance in the 4 Nations tournament, where he showcased his abilities and solidified his position as a key player. He expressed his commitment to representing his country to the best of his ability on the global stage.
