A milestone for Nashville
Pekka Rinne, the longtime Nashville Predators net‑minder, has been selected for the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, becoming the first player in franchise history to earn that honor after spending his entire NHL career with the team.
Over 15 seasons in Nashville, Rinne compiled a 369‑win record, posted 60 shutouts and captured the Vezina Trophy in 2018, the league’s top goaltending award. His performance helped the Predators advance to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, the deepest playoff run in franchise history.
Rinne also represented Finland on the international stage, earning MVP honors at the 2014 IIHF World Championship and contributing to several memorable tournaments for his country.
The 2026 induction class will also feature forward Patrice Bergeron, goaltender Carey Price, winger Keith Tkachuk, longtime executive Cindy Curley and former NHL director of player safety Brian Burke, a diverse group that reflects the breadth of modern hockey.
The ceremony is scheduled for November 2026 in Toronto, where Rinne will join his fellow inductees on the hall’s historic stage.
Rinne’s selection marks a watershed moment for the Predators, a franchise that entered the NHL in 1998 and has since built a passionate fan base. His legacy extends beyond statistics, embodying the resilience and community spirit that define Nashville hockey.
Fans and teammates alike have praised Rinne’s leadership, his willingness to mentor younger players and his charitable work off the ice, all of which have left an indelible imprint on the organization.
The induction ceremony will be streamed globally, allowing supporters worldwide to celebrate the achievements of a player whose career was defined by consistency, sportsmanship and a deep connection to his adopted city.