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'My body still feels like it could compete at the highest level. In an essay published to The Players Tribune, Rinne said family considerations also played a part in his decision to retire. And I appreciate David and everybody else for giving me enough time to make this decision on my own and make a decision that I feel is the right tone. 'There were two options,' Rinne said Tuesday at a news conference.

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He was an unrestricted free agent this summer after his two-year, $10 million bridge deal was set to expire. Rinne, 38, played his entire career in Nashville and retires atop nearly every franchise goaltending category. Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne announced his retirement from the NHL on Tuesday after 15 seasons. Nashville Predators G Pekka Rinne, 38, retires after 15 seasons

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It felt like a movie.You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browser 'Otherwise I would have just went back to the locker room,' Rinne said. Rinne is forever grateful that Johansen told him in that moment, 'No, you're not going to the locker room,' and encouraged the man who is uncomfortable in the spotlight to step into it for once. It was just cool to see him enjoy that moment.' 'I was like, 'Peks, you have to take a lap.' It was a really cool moment for the fans and for him. 'I was kind of watching (that 5-0 win) as a fan and you could see the whole building just didn't expect it, but you could tell they would have loved if he started going around. 'I'm a fan of 'Peks' too,' Johansen said. The center wasn't about to let Rinne disappear off the ice without the proper sendoff. Everyone in the building seemed to have an inkling, too, including Ryan Johansen.

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He had an inkling that May 10 was going to be his last as a professional hockey player, though he hadn't made a decision. More: Retired Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne no good at goodbyes - and I'm thankful for that More: Nashville Zoo to name goat after former Predators goalie Pekka Rinne More: Ahead of Nashville Predators jersey retirement, Pekka Rinne relishing new normal of just being dad 'The last time I saw the fans it was pretty emotional, my last game,' Rinne said. On Thursday, which was officially declared Pekka Rinne Day by Mayor John Cooper, the man belonged to Nashville once more.įor the first time since his fairytale shutout in his last appearance as a Predator, his 683rd and final regular-season game, Rinne was showered with roars of appreciation. Many of those Rinne full-timers have been in Nashville this week with Rinne, to share in the special moments, in the thank you, in the goodbye. He's a full-time husband now, with his wife Erika. The former full-time goalie is a full-time father now, with his 14-month-old son Paulus. Listen: Nashville Predators Catfish Corner podcast: Pekka Rinne is coming back to Nashville

Rinne's 35 also was in the ice behind each net, fittingly. On Thursday night, 17,159 T-shirts with Rinne's famous name and famous number, one neatly placed on every seat inside Bridgestone Arena, greeted fans. 'I always carry a 35 necklace, things like that. 'After a while you play with the same number it becomes like your thing,' Rinne said. No Predators player will wear that number again. Little did Rogers or Rinne know that number would become synonymous with Nashville Predators hockey and Rinne, and that it would be the first number to hang from the rafters inside Bridgestone Arena. 'From that moment on, that was my number. 'He gave me the 35 and asked, 'Are you happy with it?'' Rinne said.

33 during his playing days in Finland but was too shy to make any demands in the NHL. Predators equipment manager Pete Rogers picked the number during Rinne's first training camp with the team after he was taken in the eighth round of the 2004 draft. Rinne spent his entire 15-year NHL career with the Predators after being picked by the team in eighth round of the 2004 draft. Fans arrive for former Nashville Predator Pekka Rinneâ€™s jersey retirement ceremony at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb.

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