Rinne retires after 15 seasons with Predators

The best goaltender in Nashville Predators franchise history is hanging up his pads.

Pekka Rinne, 38, announced his retirement Tuesday after 15 NHL seasons - all of which he spent in the Music City.

"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," Rinne said. "This decision wasn't easy, but I know this is the right one at the right time."

Rinne was one of the best goaltenders of his generation. He won the Vezina Trophy in 2018 and was a finalist for the award in 2011, 2012, and 2015. He finishes his career with 369 wins - the fifth most in the salary-cap era behind Marc-Andre Fleury, Henrik Lundqvist, Roberto Luongo, and Ryan Miller. His 60 career shutouts are the third most during that span.

The 6-foot-5 netminder helped carry the Preds to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017 as the lowest-ranked team in the playoffs. He was instrumental in pulling off upsets over the Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues, and Anaheim Ducks before the club fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games. He ended that postseason with a .930 save percentage and 1.96 goals-against average in 22 contests.

Rinne also ends his career with the most wins ever by a Finnish-born goalie, edging out Miikka Kiprusoff, Kari Lehtonen, and Tuukka Rask.

"As I announce my retirement, I'm thankful for my parents, sisters, fiance Erika, everyone in the Predators organization - management, coaches and trainers - my teammates, and my youth coaches back in Finland," Rinne said. "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."

The Preds drafted Rinne in the eighth round in 2004.

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