The Nashville Predators paid tribute to their long-time goaltender, Pekka Rinne, with a statue unveiling today. Rinne’s incredible journey from being the last pick of the 8th round in the 2004 NHL Draft to becoming one of the best goalies in the league has endeared him to fans and earned him a permanent place in the history of the franchise.
Pekka Rinne was drafted 258th overall in the 2004 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 2005-2006 season but truly solidified his position in the Predators’ lineup in the 2008-2009 season. Over his career, Rinne played 683 games for the Predators, winning 369, losing 213, and enduring 75 overtime losses. Rinne’s career GAA stands at 2.43, with a save percentage of .917 and 60 shutouts. Pekka Rinne holds the Predators’ regular season records for games, starts, wins, and shutouts.
In the playoffs, Rinne started 89 games, achieving 45 wins with a GAA of 2.49 and a save percentage of .914.
Rinne’s exceptional performance throughout his career earned him several accolades. In the 2017-2018 season, he won the Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goalie during the regular season. Rinne was also awarded the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in the 2020-2021 season for his leadership and humanitarian contributions.
The Nashville Predators’ decision to honor Pekka Rinne with a statue is a fitting tribute to a player who has given so much to the franchise and its fans. Rinne’s journey from a late draft pick to a celebrated goaltender serves as an inspiration to aspiring players and a testament to his dedication and perseverance. As the Predators continue to build on their legacy, Rinne’s contributions will forever be remembered and cherished by the Nashville community, and everything he brought to this team as a leader and a player.
