Most shutouts in franchise history – Pekka Rinne (60)

Finnish former professional ice hockey goaltender, Nashville Predators franchise leader in wins and shutouts, 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

Character: Pekka Rinne
Role: Goaltender
Affiliation: Nashville Predators
First appears: 2005–06 season
Status: Retired, franchise icon

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

Rinne was drafted 258th overall in the eighth round of the 2004 NHL entry draft by the Nashville Predators. He debuted in the SM-liiga with Oulun Kärpät in the 2002–03 season. After signing with the Predators on 23 August 2005, he began his North American career with the Milwaukee Admirals. He appeared in two NHL games with Nashville during the 2005–06 season. He became the Predators' starting goaltender during the 2008–09 season. He won the Vezina Trophy in 2017–18 and was a finalist four times. He led the Predators to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final. He scored a goal on 9 January 2020 against the Chicago Blackhawks.