Pekka Rinne

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Rinne's journey to NHL stardom began in Finland with Oulun Kärpät, where he debuted in the SM-liiga during the 2002–03 season. Drafted by Nashville in the eighth round of the 2004 draft, Rinne signed a two-way contract after the 2004–05 season. His North American career started with the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL, where he became the starter after Brian Finley's poor play. In the summer of 2006, Rinne was assaulted by unknown assailants, dislocating his shoulder and requiring surgery that cost him the first four months of the season. He appeared in two NHL games with Nashville during the 2005–06 season, compiling a 1–1–0 record with a .900 save percentage and a 3.80 goals against average. Following Dan Ellis's strong 2007–08 season, starter Chris Mason was traded, and Rinne was called up to serve as Ellis's backup for the 2008–09 season.

In Their Own Story

On 1 December 2008, Rinne became only the second Predators rookie goaltender ever to record a shutout. In February 2009, he recorded 9 wins in 12 games with a .944 save percentage and a 1.72 GAA, earning NHL Rookie of the Month honors. On 14 March 2009, Rinne set a Predators franchise record with his seventh shutout of the season. On his 29th birthday, 3 November 2011, he signed a seven-year, $49 million contract—the largest in Predators history at the time—and that night posted a 35-save shutout on the road against the Phoenix Coyotes. During the 2011–12 season, Rinne set a franchise record with 11 consecutive wins, surpassing Tomáš Vokoun's previous mark of eight. He led the NHL in wins, shots against, saves, and games played that season. On 22 May 2017, Rinne backstopped the Predators to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final by defeating the Anaheim Ducks four games to two, though Nashville ultimately lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games. On 9 January 2020, Rinne became the 12th goaltender in NHL history to score a goal, doing so against the Chicago Blackhawks by shooting the puck into an empty net from behind his own goal line.

Reader's Guide

The Pekka Rinne era represents the Nashville Predators' transformation into a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. His consistency in net allowed the team to build a system around defensive responsibility and goaltending excellence. Rinne's leadership set a standard for the franchise, proving that a single individual could elevate an entire team's ceiling. What matters most about this period is how it cemented the Predators' identity in Nashville. Rinne was not just a player but a symbol of perseverance, often credited for keeping the team alive during grueling playoff series. His rivalry with opposing top scorers turned into legendary duels, where his calm demeanor under pressure contrasted sharply with the chaos on the ice. This era remains the benchmark for goaltending in Nashville history. It taught fans to appreciate the quiet heroism of the position and established a legacy where the net is viewed as the most sacred ground on the ice.

Did You Know?

• Rinne was drafted 258th overall in the eighth round of the 2004 NHL entry draft by the Nashville Predators.
• In the summer of 2006, Rinne was assaulted by unknown assailants, dislocating his shoulder and requiring surgery that caused him to miss the first four months of the season.
• On his 29th birthday, 3 November 2011, Rinne signed a seven-year, $49 million contract and that night posted a 35-save shutout against the Phoenix Coyotes.
• Rinne is one of only 17 NHL goaltenders to score a goal in either the regular season or the playoffs, doing so on 9 January 2020 against the Chicago Blackhawks.
• In March 2023, the Predators unveiled an 11-foot-11-inch bronze statue of Rinne outside Bridgestone Arena.

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.