Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne has been drafted all over the first few rounds this fantasy hockey season. He has been spotted in the first round, but has even seen his draft stock fall all the way out of the first four rounds.
Rinne shockingly led the NHL in games played (73), wins (43), shots faced (2,153) and saves (1,987) last year. He had an utterly dominating fantasy performance, but yet many people are still letting him fall out of the top five goaltenders. This is mind-boggling considering he finished as the number one fantasy goaltender in most leagues last year.
Additionally, the Preds paid a lot of money to keep star defenseman Shea Weber in front of Rinne. The duo has built an amazing rapport over recent seasons and has become an amazing last line of defense for Nashville.
Rinne will be in net more than any other fantasy hockey goaltender by far, making him the ideal fantasy goaltender. Most goalies have reliable backups that coaches are more than willing to give some time to in the net, but the fact the Rinne was between the pipes in 73 of the team’s 82 total games is simply staggering from a fantasy perspective.
Rinne will get at least one extra start per week compared to most other goaltenders around fantasy, so do not be afraid to grab him in the first couple rounds. Rinne is the ultimate fantasy netminder and will show why in 2013. Look for Rinne to once again lead the NHL in wins and saves.
