The Anaheim Ducks selected Rickard Rikell, a winger from Sweden, with their first pick in the 2011 NHL Draft. The Ducks held the 22nd pick in the first round, but traded the pick to Toronto for the 30th and 39th selections. The 6-foot, 191-pound Rakell played for Plymouth in the Ontario Hockey League last season, scoring 19 goals.
"You had a next grouping of guys and Rakell was in that group. I saw him at the World Junior a whole bunch," Ducks VP Bob Murray said of the 18-year old Rakell. "He was a 17-year-old in the World Juniors and he did a good job there. He’s a good two-way player and a smart hockey player, and he can play center or wing. We’re very happy he was still there at 30."
At last month's NHL scouting combine, Rakell said he enjoyed his opportunity to come to America to play hockey. "You've got to have a strong will. If you're sure that you want to come over here I think you should take the opportunity. There's a lot of scouts at the games, and you really get a chance to show off who you are," he said.
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