Rickard Rakell News

Rakell will miss his third straight game with an upper-body injury but he's also a key trade piece for the Ducks, so they may be playing it safe ahead of Monday's deadline.

Rakell left Thursday's game in the third period and did not return. Because of the back-to-back, the Ducks have yet to provide an update on Rakell, so consider him a game-time decision.

Rakell has missed the last six games but is expected to play tonight vs. the Blue Jackets. Rakell had two goals and four assists in seven games before getting hurt and will likely be back on the top line with Ryan Getzlaf on Tuesday.

Rakell will miss his second straight game with an upper-body injury that he suffered against the Islanders last Saturday. With Rakell out, Max Jones is expected to remain in the Ducks lineup.

This leaves the Ducks without three of their top-6 forwards because both Ryan Getzlaf and Jakob Silfverberg are out with the flu. The Ducks recalled Daniel Sprong to fill one of the spots but the other will likely go to Jaccob Larsson and they will dress seven defensemen and 11 forwards.

Rakell skated on the top line in Tuesday’s practice and was activated from IR ahead of Wednesday’s game. Rakell will take warmups and will return to the lineup barring a setback.

Rakell has missed the last 13 games with an ankle injury but is set to return to the Ducks lineup on Wednesday. Rakell has been limited by a 5.7 shooting percentage, resulting in just five goals and 15 assists (20 points) in 30 games this season.

Rakell suffered a sprained ankle last Wednesday and will miss at least a few weeks. With Rakell out, Daniel Sprong has taken on a larger role early in his Ducks career and could play top-6 minutes until Rakell is back.

Rakell has missed the last five games with an upper-body injury but was back on the ice for Monday’s practice, a sign that he may be back in the lineup Tuesday in Vegas. The Ducks returning Kalle Kossila to San Diego (AHL) is a sign that he’ll play tomorrow.