Pekka Rinne is now the highest-paid goaltender in the NHL. The Nashville Predators signed their stud netminder to a seven-year, $49 million contract extension. With an average annual value of $7 million per season, he's making more than every other goalie in the league.
Pekka Rinne Signs 7-Year, $49 Million Contract With Predators, Becomes Highest-Paid Goalie
Pekka Rinne became the NHL’s highest paid goalie on Thursday, his birthday, signing a contract extension with the Nashville Predators.
Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers previously held that post -- technically, he'll hold it until next season when Rinne's contract extension kicks in -- with a cap hit of $6.875 million per season.
The Predators now have to worry about signing defensemen Shea Weber and Ryan Suter, who both hit free agency following this season. Weber will be a restricted free agent while Suter will be unrestricted, and the conventional wisdom seems to be that the Preds can't afford both of them with Rinne signed to such a monster deal.
Rinne’s an important piece for the Preds, obviously, but the question is whether or not he’s more important that two elite defensemen. Perhaps now we know how general manager David Poile feels about that topic.
For much more on the signing, check in with Predators blog On The Forecheck.
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