Nashville Predators: Top Free Agent Goalies If Rinne Retires

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.

Chris Driedger / Florida Panthers / 2020-21 Salary: $850,000

Acquiring the services of Chris Driedger from the Florida Panthers could prove to be a steal for the Predators. After making only $850,000 last season, a modest raise to come to Nashville and back up Saros could be just what the Predators and Driedger may need.

Driedger started the most games of his five-year NHL career last season. Of his 23 starts, 14 were wins, 9 were losses, and 3 were O/T losses. He finished the season with a 2.09 GAA and a .927 SV%. Driedger also tallied three shutouts last season, two of which were against the Predators.

However, last season’s playoff numbers for Driedger were not fabulous. Of his three playoff games (the first ones of his career) last season, he had no wins, and his GAA ballooned to 3.70. A concerning part of his game that the Predators could hopefully chalk up to nerves.

Driedger could be a great fit in Nashville for next season and at a bargain price. With Saros taking the majority of the starts, Driedger would not be expected to carry the team but would give the coaching staff confidence in the position should Saros need a rest or become injured.

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.

Today, Saros is the man in Nashville. His play in the last half of the season and the playoffs was legendary. He raised his game to a level that would have garnered him serious Vezina Trophy consideration had he avoided injury during the regular season.

However, Saros is notorious for getting off to a slow start early in the season. While Saros can pin some of his woes on the teams in front of him in previous seasons, a loss is a loss.

This upcoming season will test whether or not Saros is truly ready to take the baton from Rinne. However, having Rinne around for one final season as a backup to help him in this journey would be great for Saros’ career.

However, if Rinne does retire, the Predators will need another goaltender capable of helping the team stay afloat if the need arises.

Signing Rinne for one final season is what fans everywhere are hoping for. But, if that is not possible, the Predators need to move quickly to secure a top-notch backup.

When the time comes, it will be tough to see a goaltender on the team other than Rinne. However, changes are happening in Nashville. If the Predators are serious about becoming legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, a quality backup at goaltender and confidence in both the starter and the backup is a must.