Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne retires after 15-year career
Pekka Rinne has announced his retirement.
The 38-year-old played his entire 683-game career with the Predators after being selected in the 8th round of the 2004 NHL Draft. He came to North American a year later and broke in with the Predators in 2008-09.
“For more than 15 years, I’ve been on an incredible, life-changing journey with the Nashville Predators that has taken me to more places than I could have ever imagined and given me more than I could ever hope to give back,” said Rinne. “This decision wasn’t easy, but I know this is the right one at the right time. As I announce my retirement, I’m thankful for my parents, sisters, fiancé Erika, everyone in the Predators organization – management, coaches and trainers – my teammates and my youth coaches back in Finland. Last but not least, I’m thankful for the people of Nashville. Each of you helped me grow into the man, father and person I am today.”
His name will forever be etched in Nashville’s record books and the hearts of fans.
He leads the organization in nearly every goaltending category: wins (368), goals against average (2.43), total time on ice (39,413:29), shutouts (60) and saves (17,627). Across the league, he retires with the 19th most shutouts and victories.
“For years, Pekka has been the face of our franchise on and off the ice,” Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile said. “The role he played in making the Predators organization into something so much more than just a hockey team cannot be understated, and what he means to our team and community makes him one of the most special players and people you’ll ever meet. It’s cliché of what you would want from your best players, but Pekka gave us a chance to win in every single game he played and led our team during the most competitive era of our franchise. While we will miss his talent and leadership in our locker room, we want to congratulate him and his family on an exceptional career, and we’re all looking forward to seeing him continue to make a positive impact on our community in the years to come.”
Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.