Nashville Predators hire Pekka Rinne as European coach, scout
The man who stands cast in bronze overlooking Broadway in front of Bridgestone Arena will continue to be employed by the Nashville Predators.
Pekka Rinne was hired as the team's European development coach and scout, the team announced Monday. He was a special advisor last season.
The former goalie spent his entire 15-year career with the Predators, appearing in 772 games and winning 414, including the regular season and playoffs. The 2018 Vezina Trophy winner also is the only player in franchise history to have his number retired.
"I still love hockey and want to stay involved," Rinne said. "At the same time, I think it's a good mix. I'll be still living for the most part in Finland and I'll be traveling. It was a combination of things. I wanted to be involved but find the right mix how to execute things."
In his new role, Rinne also will work with all goalies in the organization, as well as alongside Predators goalie coach Ben Vanderklok.
“We pride ourselves on being an organization full of great people, and none are better than Pekka Rinne,” incoming general manager Barry Trotz said. “We are thrilled to have him continue his legacy with our franchise in this new, expanded role. As we continue to grow and develop our entire hockey operations department, Pekka’s experience, expertise and presence leaves us no doubt that he will be a valuable resource for our team moving forward, especially in our efforts abroad."
Rinne, a four-time All-Star, retired in July 2021 as the franchise's all-time leader in games played (683), wins (369), goals-against average (2.43), time on ice (39,413:29), shutouts (60) and saves (17,627).
Rinne, along with Predators captain Roman Josi, are scheduled to announce together the team's second first-round pick Wednesday night at the NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena.
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Though he retired just two years ago, there aren't many familiar faces left in the locker room he used to roam.
"That's a good indicator that there's been a lot of changes," Rinne said. "That's the way it goes. You go through a phase. I think we had a really good core group of guys for a long, long time and then eventually that just changes. You have that window to do things and win, and now it's on to the next one. Obviously it's an exciting time too. This week, this draft, we have 13 picks, that's a big number and I think it's a very big thing for the organization."
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Predators hire Pekka Rinne as European coach, scout
