Ranking the Five Best Trades in Nashville Predators History

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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 /

#1 Nashville Predators Trade Timo Helbing for 8th Round Pick

On February 25, 2004 the Nashville Predators would trade Timo Helbling to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a 2004 8th Round Draft Pick. This would turn out to be in my opinion the best trade in Nashville Predators history.

With that 8th round pick, a round that doesn’t even exist anymore, the Nashville Predators would draft Pekka Rinne.

Rinne spent his entire career with the Predators and proved that he could potentially be the best NHL player to come from the 8th round.

Must Read. Pekka Rinne Statue Will Solidify his Legacy for the Nashville Predators. light

Rinne played 683 games for the Predators and had a record of 369-213-75. In addition to his winning record, he also has 60 shutouts to his name.

Being the staple of the Nashville Predators from the 2008-09 season through the 2020-21 season, when he announced his retirement, Rinne led the team to the playoffs eight seasons.

Posting a 2.43 goals against average and .917 save percentage over the course of his career, Rinne is easily the best Finnish goalie to ever play in the NHL.

What did Nashville lose in this trade? Well, Helbling went on to play 11 NHL games in his career. Definitely an all-time great trade on Nashville’s end.

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