Retirement of #35 Pekka Rinne

Finnish former professional ice hockey goaltender, Nashville Predators legend, and Vezina Trophy winner.

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.

Quick Facts

Role

Goaltender

Affiliation

Nashville Predators

First appears

2005-06 NHL season

Status

Retired, number retired by franchise

Major honors

Vezina Trophy winner
NHL All-Star
franchise leader in wins and shutouts

Lore & Background

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. In March 2023, the Predators officially unveiled an 11 ft bronze statue of Rinne holding his stick and wearing his goaltender equipment, erected in front of the Predators' Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, to honour his legacy to the club and the city. Rinne is set to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2026.

Reader's Guide

It does not state that his number was retired, nor does it mention Shea Weber or any joint ceremony.

Did You Know?

He became the 12th goaltender in NHL history to score a goal, doing so on 9 January 2020 against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Rinne recorded his 300th career NHL win on 22 February 2018, becoming the 34th goaltender to reach that milestone.

More in Club History

Mike Fisher Pekka Rinne Roman Josi Barry Trotz Filip Forsberg 1998 NHL Expansion Founding David Poile Named First General Manager Barry Trotz Hired as First Head Coach 2004 Playoff Debut vs. Detroit Red Wings 2006-07 First 100-Point Season 2011-12 Central Division Title 2016-17 Stanley Cup Final Run (vs. Penguins)

Elsewhere in Nashville Predators

The Nashville Community · Stadium & Culture Jack Adams Award – Barry Trotz (2018-19) · Honours & Records Dan Hamhuis · Legendary Players Brendan Witt · Legendary Players 2012 Western Conference Quarterfinal Game 5 vs Red Wings · Iconic Matches 2017 Stanley Cup Final Game 6 – Pittsburgh 4, Nashville 3 · Iconic Matches

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