By Russell Vannozzi Main Street Media of Tennessee
Pekka Rinne was trying to corral his two young children at home in Finland when he received a call from an unfamiliar phone number.
As the former Nashville Predators goaltender picked up, Hockey Hall of Fame officials Mike Gartner and Ron Francis were on the other end of the line.
Rinne was one of six individuals named to the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 last month, alongside former players Patrice Bergeron, Cindy Curley, Carey Price and Keith Tkachuk. Ex-NHL executive Brian Burke was elected in the builder category.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Rinne said. “I was there with my wife. I had a blank stare in my eyes, and I was just looking at her and trying to whisper, ‘It’s the Hockey Hall of Fame.’ Unbelievable moment. … I never in a million years thought I would get that call.”
Rinne isn’t simply trying to be humble. Few could have predicted Nashville’s 2004 eighth-round pick – the NHL has since reduced its draft to seven rounds – turning into a franchise icon whose likeness is now immortalized with a bronze statue outside Bridgestone Arena.
Rinne spent his entire 15-year career with the Predators, compiling a 369-213-75 record, 60 shutouts, .917 save percentage and 2.43 goals-against average. He earned NHL All-Star honors three times and won the Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goaltender in 2018.
The 6-foot-5, 217-pounder anchored Nashville’s improbable run to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final and helped the Predators earn the Presidents’ Trophy the following season. He gave way to fellow Finnish goalie Juuse Saros in the final years of his career before retiring in 2021.
Rinne is the second longtime Predators player to be elected to the Hall of Fame behind Shea Weber, who was inducted in 2024 with former Nashville general manager David Poile. Peter Forsberg (17 games) and Paul Kariya (164 games) had brief stints with the Predators before their eventual inductions in 2014 and 2017, respectively.
“I’m so proud that I had the opportunity to play for Nashville throughout my career,” said Rinne, who still works for the Predators as their European development coach and scout. “I’m also representing the players before me and the players who are (still) playing for Nashville. That’s how I feel.
“All of (the Class of 2026 inductees) agree we wouldn’t be here without our teammates. That’s exactly how it is. They made me a better player. I’m just so honored to be representing obviously myself, but also the Nashville Predators with this honor.”
Rinne also starred on the international stage for Finland at four IIHF World Championships, winning MVP honors in 2014.
Price, the Montreal Canadiens’ goaltender from 2007-22, believes Rinne’s greatness was in his approach between the pipes.
“I thought his standard of compete was always at the pinnacle,” Price said. “His battle level was unmatched by any goaltender in the league. It’s been a real treat to think about going into (the Hall of Fame) with Peks because we competed against each other for so long.”
The 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony is set for Monday, Nov. 9 in Toronto.