Pekka Rinne, the Predators’ all‑time leader between the pipes, has been announced as an Honored Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. Upon receiving the news, Rinne said he was "in disbelief" and "overwhelmed with gratitude," expressing disbelief at the honor that caps a 15‑year career spent entirely in Nashville.
A career of records
Rinne retired with 369 victories and 60 shutouts, numbers that place him among the most successful goalies in NHL history. He earned the 2018 Vezina Trophy as the league’s best net‑minder and was a finalist for that award three other times between 2011 and 2020, accumulating the most total voting points during that span. His .926 save percentage and 2.55 goals‑against average rank fifth and seventh all‑time respectively among goalies with at least 500 appearances. The Predators reached the 2017 Stanley Cup Final and captured the 2018 Presidents’ Trophy under his guidance, achievements that also earned him the distinction of being the top goaltender in the history of his native Finland.
Community impact and recognition
Beyond the ice, Rinne’s dedication to service was recognized with the 2021 King Clancy Memorial Trophy. He founded the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, a program that has supported countless families. In 2022 the franchise retired his No. 35, and a year later a statue honoring him was unveiled, making him the first individual in Predators history to receive that tribute. The honor was shared with his family, former teammates, and the city of Nashville that embraced him throughout his career.
Hall of Fame ceremony
The 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Celebration is scheduled for November 9, 2026, in Toronto. The event will bring together Rinne, his loved ones, former teammates such as Shea Weber and David Poile, and fellow inductees including Patrice Bergeron, Cindy Curley, Carey Price, Keith Tkachuk, and Brian Burke, to celebrate a legacy that spans records, community work, and the growth of the sport.