Nashville Predators' Pekka Rinne stretches before playing a game. (Dan4th/Creative Commons)

Last season, Rinne, 29, was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy – the award annually given to the top goalie in the NHL. Securing a goalie of his caliber was essential to the Predators, who are finally beginning to find their stride in the NHL after making team history and advancing to the second round of the playoffs last season. After defeating the Anaheim Ducks in six games, the Predators moved on to face the eventual Stanley Cup finalists – the Vancouver Canucks.

The team must now focus their attention on securing defensemen Shea Weber and Ryan Sutter. Weber caused quite the stir this summer when he was awarded a one-year deal worth $7.8 in arbitration. After this season, Weber, 26, will be a restricted free agent while Sutter, 26, will be an unrestricted free agent.

The Predators currently hold second place in the Central Division with 12 points. They are currently on a road trip where they face Chicago, Phoenix,  San Jose, Los Angeles, and Anaheim.

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