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Nashville Predators: Pekka Rinne making his case for Vezina and new contract

By Corey Francis

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 11: Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators waves to fans as First Star of the Game after a 3-0 shutout win against the Winnipeg Jets at Bridgestone Arena on October 11, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 11: Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators waves to fans as First Star of the Game after a 3-0 shutout win against the Winnipeg Jets at Bridgestone Arena on October 11, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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After winning the Vezina Trophy last season, Pekka Rinne is continuing to play at elite levels. Could this mean a contract extension for the Nashville Predators’ goalie?

You are only as good as the goalie in the net. A case could be made for such a statement. Throughout the history of the NHL, goalies have lifted teams on their shoulders and carried them to success. The Nashville Predators are no exception to this line of thought. It was the play of their goalie late in the 2016-17 season that pushed them to the playoffs. It was also Pekka Rinne who stopped puck after puck from going in last season when the players in front of him allowed high-danger chances.

When you think of the best goalies in the NHL’s history, Rinne’s name may not be mentioned for a long time. Even now, the NHL considers him the seventh-best goalie in the league. But, the former eighth-round pick is a four-time finalist for the Vezina, finally adding the award to his resume last season. He is one of four goalies to earn 30 or more wins in each of the last four seasons. And yet, he is still overshadowed by the likes of Marc-Andre Fleury, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Jonathan Quick, and Connor Hellebuyck.

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Honestly, I think the “disrespect” Rinne receives fuels him to be better. You would never know it from the constant smile on his face and how he speaks regarding his play and his team. There is no doubting the character of Rinne. It is part of the reason fans adore him.

The veteran goalie is on the last season of his 7 year/$49 million contract. He wants to stay. Fans want him to stay. And, by all accounts, the Nashville Predators want him to stay. The question is for how much and how long.

Repeat performance

Coming into the season, expectations were for Rinne to regress. Of course, last season was one of Rinne’s best of his career. Just like Willy Wonka’s wondrous boat ride, he certainly not showing any sign that he is slowing.

Yes, I am aware of the small sample size to start the season; however, it is as good of a start as we could have asked. Rinne sits second in the league with a .967 save percentage, and third in GSAA at 4.8. He already boasts one shutout this season, coming against teh Western Conference favorite Winnipeg Jets. Of goalies who have played four games, Rinne faced the most shots and allowed the fewest goals at 5v5. It is this type of play that won him the Vezina.

Is it too early to start #PekkaforVezina2?

The biggest concern for the Nashville Predators when talking contract is Rinne’s age. He turns 36-years-only next month, and there is no way to know how many more years he has left. But, according to NBCSN’s Bob Mackenzie, contract negotiations have begun. Right now, the projected cap space for the Predators is just north of $15 million next season. The only players coming up for contracts this offseason are Ryan Hartman, Kevin Fiala, Colton Sissons, Zac Rinaldo, and Anthony Bitetto. Fiala could garner a large contract, but needs to score 20 or more goals to solidify his place.

It is next season that produces the issue. Even with $28 million in projected cap space, signing Roman Josi will be a priority. And a pricey one at that. Follow that with Craig Smith, then three defensive positions open as Dan Hamhuis, Yannick Weber, and Matt Irwin are UFA’s.

There is no doubting Rinne is worth $8.5 million or more. Henrik Lundqvist is 36 and has an $8.5 million cap hit this season. Carey Price has a $15 million salary but is not producing at an elite level. Rinne’s play certainly places him among the best. His character and importance to the franchise warrant a high dollar deal.

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Pekka Rinne is and will always be on the Nashville Predators’ Mount Rushmore. I doubt he will ask for so much that it will hamper the progress of the franchise, given his goal is to win the Stanley Cup. We could have an answer to this situation sooner rather than later.

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