Nashville Predators: Top Free Agent Goalies If Rinne Retires
By Rich Howe
Once the horn sounded and the Nashville Predators left the ice for the final time last season, a question that had been lingering came to the forefront. Had the book just been closed on Pekka Rinne‘s NHL career?
In his end-of-season interviews, Rinne offered no indication one way or the other on what his decision for next season would be. Instead, he left the door wide open for many possibilities.
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Rinne’s Options For Next Season
The first option is retirement. Rinne got the start in the final game of the regular season and pitched an awe-inspiring shutout. The standing ovation that the Bridgestone faithful gave our hero as he skated around the rink, waving his stick as if to say goodbye and thank you, brought a tear to many eyes.
The second option would involve Rinne taking a hometown deal to play one final season in Nashville and continue his on-ice mentorship of Juuse Saros. Re-signing with the Predators for next season is the most desirable option as Rinne could have one last full season to get the send-off he deserves, a farewell tour if you will.
The final and most heart-wrenching option would be for Rinne to sign a short-term contract with a team that is a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. While it would be tough to see him in another team’s jersey, it would be heartwarming to see him finally get a chance to hoist the cup.
The Nashville Predators May Need Goaltending Help
While we wait for some official news from Rinne and GM David Poile, we have to assume that contingency plans are in place should he decide to hang up the skates or move to another team.
If last year was his final season in Nashville, the Predators might have some juggling to do to find Saros a legitimate backup for next season. But, unfortunately, Nashville’s cupboards are a little bare at the goaltender position.
A quick look at the Predators’ goaltender pipeline will give you an indication of why Nashville may need to sign a veteran goaltender.
First, Connor Ingram only played in five AHL games at the end of last season due to personal reasons. Second, Kasimir Kaskisuo opted to leave Nashville and sign with a team in Europe. Third, draftee Yaroslav Askarov has one final season in the KHL before becoming eligible to play in the NHL. Finally, Florida Everblades goaltender Devin Cooley probably needs a little more seasoning before he is NHL-ready.
Signing another goaltender seems like the only viable option should Rinne retire. So here is a look at some free-agent goaltenders that could realistically be in Nashville next season.