Pekka Rinne Back with Nashville Predators as Special Alumni Advisor
By Nick Kieser
Former franchise goaltender and owner of virtually every franchise record at the position Pekka Rinne is returning to the Nashville Predators in a special advisory role.
Rinne spent 14 months away from the game and now has returned as a Special Alumni Advisor for the organization that he played his entire NHL career with.
The organization announced the move right as the Nashville Predators on-ice training began on Wednesday at the Centennial Sportsplex.
General Manager David Poile gave his thoughts to the team’s official website on Rinne returning to the Nashville Predators organization in this special role:
“Since his retirement from playing, we’ve reminisced fondly about all the memories Pekka provided not only everyone in our organization but Predators fans worldwide, so we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him back in this capacity” David Poile said on NHL.com
Prior to Rinne returning he was coaching the Finnish U20 National Team over the summer while the 2022 World Junior Championship was going on.
Not long after the announcement, Rinne was seen already out on the ice with the Predators goalies and goalie coach Ben Vanderklok.
Alex Daugherty of AtoZ Sports shared some awesome photos and videos of Rinne giving some coaching and advice in training camp.
Working on lateral movement as Pekka Rinne looks on. Devan Cooley in the net. pic.twitter.com/blUoLjZInJ
— Alex Daugherty (@AlexDaugherty1) September 22, 2022
Extra Leadership for Nashville Predators Goalie Prospects
With the addition of Rinne, these prospects will be learning from the Predators’ all-time leader in wins (369) and goals-against average (2.43).
Nashville Predators forward Michael McCarron said in an interview on 102.5 The Game that Rinne was back in the fold as soon as camp started. According to McCarron, coach Rinne sat with the coaches at lunch, something his former teammates will get used to.
Rinne will be around each of Nashville’s netminders while they’re at training camp.
Young players like Yaroslav Askarov, Devin Cooley, and Tomas Vomacka will now have their opportunity to learn under the tutelage of Rinne.
Related Story. Unpacking the Complex Future at Goaltender for the Preds. light
The 2018 Vezina Trophy winner will be alongside the team learning with Vaderklok how to lead the Predators goalies in the right direction.
Juuse Saros will also be reunited with Rinne after backing him up the first full three seasons in Nashville.
Smashville has their beloved fan-favorite back. The main question is will he be known as coach Peks or coach Rinne?