The Hockey Hall of Fame has announced that Pekka Rinne, the storied net‑minder who spent his entire 15‑year career with the Nashville Predators, will be part of the class of 2026. His induction marks the culmination of a journey that began when he first donned a Predators jersey in 2005 and ended with a legacy that still reverberates through the franchise.
Hall of Fame Induction
Rinne appeared in 683 NHL games, compiling a 369‑214‑100 record with a .917 save percentage and a 2.43 goals‑against average. Those numbers place him among the most efficient goalies in league history, ranking fifth in save percentage and seventh in goals‑against average among those with at least 500 starts.
The Predators honored him by retiring his #35, a tribute that has hung in the rafters of Bridgestone Arena since February 2022. A bronze statue of Rinne now stands outside the arena, reminding fans of the leadership and poise he displayed on and off the ice.
Beyond his statistical achievements, Rinne was a mentor to Juuse Saros, the young Finnish prospect who succeeded him as the team’s primary goaltender. In his final season, Rinne added the King Clancy Memorial Trophy to his résumé, recognizing his exemplary community contributions and leadership.
His impact extended beyond the rink. Rinne was a four‑time NHL All‑Star, an IIHF World Championship silver‑medalist, and a Vezina Trophy winner in 2017‑18. He also helped guide the Predators to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2017, where his .930 save percentage and 1.96 goals‑against average in the playoffs underscored his clutch performances.
Since retiring as a player, Rinne has transitioned into a scout and development coach, continuing to shape the next generation of Predators talent. His presence in the organization ensures that the values he embodied — hard work, humility, and community engagement — remain central to the team’s culture.