Nashville Predators: Top Free Agent Goalies If Rinne Retires

By Rich Howe | Jul 7, 2021

May 10, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) celebrates with teammates after a shutout win in what could be his final home game as a starter against the Carolina Hurricanes at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

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(Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports) /

Jaroslav Halak / Boston Bruins / 2020-21 Salary: $2,250,000

The need for a veteran presence at backup goaltender is something the Predators could use should Rinne retire. Jaroslav Halak is just that.

Halak has been the backup goaltender for the past three seasons for one of the best in the league in Tuukka Rask. If you are going to learn from someone, learn from one of the best.

Acquiring Halak’s services will require a little more investment from the Predators than the previously mentioned Chris Driedger. Halak pulled in $2.25M last season for only 19 games.

Halak’s GAA last season was a respectable 2.53. His SV% was .905. Rask started every playoff game last season but was pulled in game five against the Islanders. Boston Bruins Head Coach Bruce Cassidy opted to have Jeremy Swayman relieve Rask instead of Halak.

At age 36, Halak is a journeyman goaltender who has played for five different teams. However, with Swayman showing that he can back up Rask, Halak may be looking to move on to another team.

Halak could bring experience and a harder edge to the Predators, which is exactly what they will need once the new season rolls around.

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