The 29-year-old forward, who could have become an unrestricted free agent Wednesday, had 41 points (20 goals, 21 assists) in 70 games for the Penguins and Anaheim Ducks this season, including 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 19 games with Pittsburgh after he was acquired in a trade March 21.
"I think a big thing for me was having a chance to win," Rackell said Wednesday. "I had a really good feeling about the Penguins the second when I got there last season. For me, it's a package thing. I want to be in a great organization with great teammates. It's a great opportunity for me and I got it now. So, I'm thankful for this great opportunity and am super excited to just get going again."
Rakell did not have a point in two Stanley Cup Playoff games. He missed Games 2-6 of the Eastern Conference First Round against the New York Rangers with an upper-body injury. The Penguins lost the best-of-7 series in seven games.
Rakell said he's eager to start the season with the Penguins.
"I'm really excited about that. Just get a full training camp going and get to know everyone, learn the system a little bit better," Rakell said. "Hopefully just being able to work on some chemistry. So, I'm just super excited about this opportunity. I had so much fun playing with this team in the short period of time last year. I'm just super excited where it can go from here and how I can elevate my type of game and just help as much as I can."
Selected by Anaheim in the first round (No. 30) of the 2011 NHL Draft, Rakell has 352 points (158 goals, 194 assists) in 569 regular-season games for the Penguins and Ducks, and 19 points (11 goals, eight assists) in 48 playoff games.
"Rickard proved that he is a great addition to our team this season," Penguins general manager Ron Hextall said. "He brings versatility and offense to our lineup, and we know he will be an impactful player for us going forward."
NHL.com independent correspondent Wes Crosby contributed to this report
