Including Rinne, the Predators have had six players receive NHL awards, and when General Manager David Poile is added to the equation, Nashville has had a member of the organization take home an award in six consecutive years.
"After spending 15 years with the same organization and in the same city, and with the opportunities I've had through local charities in my community - this is very special to me," Rinne said. "At the same time, I was to congratulate P.K. [Subban] and Kurtis [Gabriel] on their nomination and for everything they do for their communities. I want to thank the Predators and the Predators Foundation for letting us players get involved and help in our community. I also want to recognize Shea Weber, who helped start the 365 Fund with me. This award means a lot to me and my family, and it's a huge honor."
The first NHL award winner in team history was former forward Steve Sullivan who won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2009, an honor given to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Former Captain Mike Fisher was given the NHL Player Foundation Award in 2012, which honors the player who applies the core values of hockey - commitment, perseverance and teamwork - to enrich the lives of people in his community.
Former Captain Shea Weber started the current streak of Preds award winners in 2016 when he received the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award, presented to the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice, during the regular season.
Poile was honored with the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award in 2017 after Nashville's run to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, and Rinne's Vezina win came one year later in 2018. Former forward Wayne Simmonds, who was acquired by Nashville from Philadelphia at the 2019 Trade Deadline took home the Messier Leadership Award on that occasion.
Preds Captain Roman Josi had his day last year when he received the James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-around ability in the position, and Rinne's honor in 2021 is the latest addition to the trophy case.
Rinne has been Nashville's nominee for the Clancy Award in each of the past three seasons, and in addition to his win in 2018, the goaltender has also been a finalist for the Vezina on three other occasions as well.
