"With the injury and not getting any information on what it was, with two operations in a short period of time, I was more concerned on how Ricky was," Murray said. "He's a valuable part of our group and he's a good hockey player. I'm feeling very confident about the discussions with the doctor and my talks with Ricky. We're very comfortable we're going to move forward quickly with getting him back on the ice."
Murray said he spoke almost daily to Rakell, who is back up to 200 pounds and skating.
"I talked to the doctor, our doctors talked to the Swedish doctor who did the operation," Murray said. "We're pretty comfortable."
Rakell scored an NHL career-best 20 goals and assisted on 23 last season, centering the second or third line and finding the most success with Corey Perry. Rakell had two points in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and said he never felt 100 percent after the appendectomy.
"We tried to get through that thing last year in the playoffs -- and I give him credit for that -- but it didn't really work," Murray said. "He wasn't strong enough. For Ricky to play the way Ricky can play, we're going to make sure he's strong enough going forward."
The Ducks will not rush Rakell's return to competition and expect him to join the team in next two weeks, pending a visa approval.
Murray said he remains in talks with Lindholm's representation. Lindholm and Rakell are friends, play together on the Sweden national team, and live together in Orange County, California during the season.
"There are lots of different things that can happen with Hampus' deal," Murray said. "It's not as if it's right around the corner. There are different things that can happen here."
