Pekka Rinne
Finnish former professional ice hockey goaltender, Nashville Predators franchise leader in wins and shutouts.
via Wikipedia: Pekka Rinne · see source
Pekka Päiviö Rinne (born 3 November 1982) is a Finnish former professional ice hockey goaltender. Drafted by the Nashville Predators in the 2004 NHL entry draft, Rinne became their starting goaltender during the 2008–09 season and quickly established himself as one of the NHL's best goaltenders. He won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goaltender in the 2017–18 season, and was a finalist for the award four times. Rinne led the Predators to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in franchise history in 2017, losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games. Rinne is Nashville's franchise leader in wins and shutouts, and is a four-time NHL All-Star. He also holds the record for the most NHL wins by a Finnish-born goaltender. Rinne is one of only 17 NHL goaltenders to score a goal in either the regular season or the playoffs.
Quick Facts
- Hall of Fame
- 2026
- Born
- 3 November 1982
- Birthplace
- Kempele, Finland
- Position
- Goaltender
- Catches
- Left
- Played for
- Oulun Kärpät
- Nashville Predators
- Dinamo Minsk
- Draft
- 258th overall
- Drafted by
- Nashville Predators
Lore & Background
Rinne debuted in the SM-liiga with Oulun Kärpät in the 2002–03 season. He was drafted 258th overall in the eighth round of the 2004 NHL entry draft by the Nashville Predators. He signed with the Predators on 23 August 2005 and began his North American career with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL. In the summer of 2006, he dislocated his shoulder in a fight and missed the first four months of the season. Rinne appeared in two NHL games with Nashville during the 2005–06 season. He became the Predators' starting goaltender in the 2008–09 season. In March 2023, the Predators unveiled an 11 ft bronze statue of Rinne in front of Bridgestone Arena. Rinne is set to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2026.
Rise from Finnish Prospects to Nashville Icon
Pekka Rinne's journey began in Finland with Oulun Kärpät, where he debuted in the SM-liiga during the 2002–03 season. After spending time with Kajaanin Hokki in the Mestis league, his path shifted when the Nashville Predators drafted him 258th overall in the 2004 NHL entry draft. He accepted a two-way contract offer after the 2004–05 season. His transition to North America faced immediate hurdles: in the summer of 2006, he was assaulted by unknown assailants, dislocating his shoulder and requiring surgery that caused him to miss the first four months of the season. Despite these early struggles and initially playing for the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL, Rinne eventually seized the starting role due to Brian Finley's poor play. By the 2008–09 season, he had firmly established himself as Nashville's primary goaltender, quickly evolving into one of the league's elite netminders.
Defining Moments and Historic Achievements
Rinne's tenure in Nashville is defined by a series of record-breaking performances and historic milestones. He became only the second rookie goalie in franchise history to record a shutout on 1 December 2008, eventually setting a new team record with seven shutouts that season alone. His consistency earned him multiple accolades, including four NHL All-Star selections and finalist status for the Vezina Trophy four times before finally winning the award as the league's best goaltender in 2017–18. A pivotal moment occurred on his 29th birthday in November 2011 when he signed a then-record seven-year, $49 million contract with the Predators and immediately delivered a 35-save shutout against the Phoenix Coyotes. He further cemented his legacy by leading Nashville to their first-ever Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2017, though they ultimately fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games. Rinne also holds the distinction of being one of only 17 goaltenders in NHL history to score a goal, showcasing his unique versatility on the ice.
Franchise Records and Statistical Dominance
Statistically, Pekka Rinne is the undisputed cornerstone of the Nashville Predators franchise. He stands as the team's all-time leader in both wins and shutouts, records that reflect his durability and elite performance over more than a decade. His dominance extended to setting a franchise mark for consecutive victories with 11 straight wins during the 2011–12 season, surpassing the previous record held by Tomáš Vokoun. That same year, he led the entire NHL in games played, shots against, saves, and total wins, underscoring his workhorse mentality. Beyond team records, Rinne holds the distinction of having the most career NHL wins among all Finnish-born goaltenders. His international contributions were equally notable; representing Finland at the 2009 IIHF World Championship, he started with a shutout where he saved 30 shots. Even during injury-plagued seasons, such as his hip arthroscopy and subsequent infection in 2013, his return often saw him posting elite numbers like a .946 save percentage in January 2011.
Enduring Legacy and Honors
The impact of Pekka Rinne on the city of Nashville and the sport of hockey is immortalized through significant honors bestowed upon him. In March 2023, the Predators unveiled an 11-foot-11-inch bronze statue outside Bridgestone Arena, depicting Rinne in his full goaltender gear holding a stick to celebrate his profound contribution to the club and the community. This physical tribute serves as a permanent reminder of his status as a local hero who transformed the franchise's identity. Looking toward the future, Rinne is scheduled for induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2026, recognizing his career achievements on a global stage. His journey from a backup goalie in Finland to a Vezina Trophy winner and Stanley Cup Finalist has left a lasting mark. The combination of his statistical dominance, clutch performances during playoff runs, and the deep respect he garnered from fans ensures that his legacy will endure long after his retirement.
More in Club History
Elsewhere in Nashville Predators
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced