Predators sign Rinne for $49 million

Happy birthday, Pekka Rinne. Here’s $49 million.

The Nashville Predators signed goaltender Pekka Rinne to a seven-year, $49 million contract on Thursday – the largest in franchise history.

"Today’s signing is further evidence of our ownership’s commitment to keeping our core intact," Nashville’s David Poile stated in a press release. "This is the first step of a process designed to retain our key players and leaders. Pekka has grown with our franchise, just recently established our franchise record for career shutouts and is now recognized as one of the game’s elite players. We’re thrilled to know that he will be backstopping our franchise for several years to come."

Rinne, who is celebrating his 29th birthday today, finished second in voting for the 2011 Vezina Trophy and fourth in voting for the 2011 Hart Trophy. Last season, the native of Kempele, Finland, ranked second among NHL netminders in save percentage (.930), third in goals-against average (2.12) and tied for sixth in shutouts (six) ; his save percentage and goals-against-average numbers set franchise records. During the 2011 playoffs, he led the Predators to their first-ever series victory in the Western Conference Quarterfinals vs. Anaheim, then posted a franchise-record for goals-against average in a series (1.94) along with a .932 save percentage in the Western Conference Semifinals against Vancouver.

Already this season, Rinne has recorded his 21st and 22nd shutouts, moving into first on the Preds’ all-time list. Rinne has more shutouts than any other NHL goalie since 2008-09. His shutout on Saturday against the Ducks was also his 100th career victory. In becoming the first goalie in club history to start each of the team’s first 11 games of the season, Rinne has risen to first in the NHL in saves with 307.

Nashville’s 10th choice, 258th overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Rinne has also represented Finland in two of the past three World Championships (2009, 2010), being named one of the nation’s three best players in both years.

In honour of Thursday’s signing of No. 35, the Predators are discounting lower-bowl tickets for the next two home games. The tickets will cost $35.