Predators Sign Goaltender Rinne to Two-Year Extension

The Nashville Predators announced today that they have signed goaltender Pekka Rinne to a two-year contract extension worth $6.8 million. The deal will pay him $2.8 million next season and $4 million for the 2011-12 season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 40 games this season with the Predators, Rinne has a 20-12-4 record, three shutouts, a 2.80 GAA, and a .902 save percentage. Not a bad signing for the Predators, as Rinne has been a solid goalie for the team for much of the season while sharing the goaltending duties with Dan Ellis. Rinne could jump into the starter's role next season depending if the team decides to re-sign Ellis this summer, who will be an unrestricted free agent. If Ellis is re-signed, he will likely continue to share playing time with Rinne.