The Pittsburgh Penguins and winger Rickard Rakell have agreed to terms on a six-year contract with an average annual value of $5 million, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Rakell, 29, was acquired by the Penguins prior to the trade deadline in March from the Anaheim Ducks. He was set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
“Rickard proved that he is a great addition to our team this season,” general manager Ron Hextall said in a statement. “He brings versatility and offence to our lineup, and we know he will be an impactful player for us going forward.”
Rakell registered 20 goals and 21 assists in 70 regular-season games with the Ducks and Penguins combined last season.
He is the third Penguins player to re-sign on a six-year contract to avoid free agency, following earlier deals handed out to Kris Letang and Bryan Rust. However, franchise icon Evgeni Malkin remains without a contract and is expected to test the open market when it opens on Wednesday.