The Nashville Predators announced they will be retiring Pekka Rinne’s number. Pekka Rinne will become the first player in Predators history to have his number retired. This will take place on February 24, 2022.
February 24, 2022.
Pekka Rinne will become the first player in the history of the organization to have his jersey retired.https://t.co/lxG0JXpX6j
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) November 3, 2021
Pekka Rinne To Be Honoured By Nashville
Pekka Rinne will forever cement his legacy with the Nashville Predators as he number 35 goes to the rafters. The name Rinne and number 35 are synonymous with the Predators organization. And now the winningest goalie in franchise history will rightfully be honoured by the only franchise he ever played for.
Pekka Rinne is one of the most recognizable names in the NHL, let alone the Nashville organization. He was the symbol of consistency throughout his 15-year career – all with Nashville. In his final game as a member of the Predators, Rinne recorded a shutout against the Carolina Hurricanes. By the ovation he got at the end of the game, you knew it was his final game. On July 13, 2021, Rinne announced his retirement from the NHL. Rinne’s career goals-against average of 2.43 is tied for the fourth-best mark among goaltenders with at least 350 wins in NHL history. He only trails Dominik Hasek, Martin Brodeur and Jacques Plante. That is pretty good company.
A Testament to Pekka Rinne’s Greatness
When David Poile picked Rinne 258th overall in the 2004 NHL Draft, he knew what he was doing. However, it would not take long for the league to find out how good he really was. Over his 15 years with Nashville, Pekka would finish as the franchise leader in wins and shutouts. He would win his sole Vezina in 2018 and the King Clancy Memorial trophy in 2021. In addition, Rinne was selected to four All-Star games. A model of consistency Rinne took the Predators to the Stanley Cup Playoffs eight times and to their only Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2017.
And now, the longest-serving member in Nashville Predators history, Pekka Rinne will get his due and forever be embraced by the rafters of Bridgestone, overlooking the crease he protected for so many years.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
