This Swede had 43 points and he was a +12 in his first season for the Plymouth Whalers. He was good in the World Juniors especially on the power play. He can shield off defenders and shoot with accuracy to score. Plymouth has been producing some impressive first round talent like:

Justin Williams – 28th overall pick by Philadelphia in 2000.
Stephen Weiss – 4th overall pick by Florida in 2001.
Tyler Seguin - Boston – 2nd overall pick in 2010.

This is part of a decent sized list and when the first round of the draft has been concluded Rakell should be a part of this group. Russ Cohen caught up with him in this Q and A.

Russ: Did you think the World Junior Championships helped give you valuable experience against top players around the world?

Rickard: Yes for sure, WJC was great for me, most to gain confidence and see that it’s not that big difference to players that can play in the NHL next year and me. That’s just giving me some kind of boost to play in the NHL next year.

Russ: What do you like about the team you play for in Plymouth?

Rickard: I think we had a great team, a lot of new and young guys but the longer the season went by I think we all thought that we had the ability to go the whole way.

Russ: Where do you have your medals displayed and do you let friends take a look at them or try them on?

Rickard: I actually just keeping them in a drawer in my room, I haven’t won anything really big yet but when I do that medal will be hanging high on the wall in my room, where no one can touch it, just admire it;)

Russ: How big of a difference is it for you playing on North American ice as compared to the larger International surface?

Rickard: Well I took a while to adjust but it’s so much more fun playing on a small rink and its here, I wanna play and develop.

Russ: Are you a scorer, playmaker or both?

Rickard: Rickard: I think I’m both but this year my goal scoring didn’t come through as much as it used to but I think that’s part of the adjusting to the small rink, you don’t get as much time for your release.

Russ: Do you have a physical game to dig pucks out of the corners for your linemates?

Rickard: I think I play a smart type of style. I don’t look for opportunities to smoke other players, but I work smart to win the puck for me and my teammates.

Russ: What is your favorite movie ever?

Rickard: My favorite movie is probably Jerry Mcguire.

Russ: What is your favorite hobby?

Rickard: I like to play tennis, ping pong and golf.

Russ: Did you play any other sports competitively?

Rickard: I played soccer and tennis competitively growing up.

Russ: Will you be attending the draft in Minnesota and if so what are you looking forward to when you get there?

Rickard: Yes me and my whole family is going. I look forward the most just being there and enjoy the moment just sit back and take it all in knowing I can’t do anything more than I’ve done and it’s not up to me anymore, now it’s a team who is going to make the next move. I’m just excited to get the opportunity to play in the NHL.

Our Hockey Prospect Radio draft special will air Friday 24th from 12-3et (XM 92, Sirius 207). We will have a live radio show from Minneapolis, Minnesota June 24-25, at the 2011 NHL Draft.