Anaheim center Rickard Rakell will miss the World Cup of Hockey, Team Sweden announced. Taking his place will be St. Louis Blues center Patrik Berglund.
Rakell played in Sweden’s first pre-tournament game, collecting an assist in 13:47 of ice time vs Finland on Thursday but did not play in the rematch on Saturday. He did not travel with the team as they flew to North America and is currently in a Swedish hospital being treated for an unspecified illness.
Rakell is currently a restricted free agent and is coming off his best NHL season so far, picking up 20 goals and 23 assists in 72 regular season games last year. He’s expected to play a top six role for the Ducks this coming season.
The issue may pertain to the surgery Rakell had back in March to remove his appendix, reports Eric Stephens of the OC Register. His agent, Peter Wallen, noted that Rakell is currently unable to eat.
Berglund, meanwhile, is coming off a tough year with the Blues. He didn’t get into game action until January after undergoing shoulder surgery last August and suited up in just 42 regular season contests, scoring a career low ten goals and five assists. He did, however, fare better in the postseason, tallying nine points in 20 games.
[Related: Sweden’s World Cup Depth Chart]