A first-time finalist for the award, Rinne is the first Predators player to win it. He has 369 wins and 60 shutouts in 683 games, each the most in Nashville history, during 15 NHL seasons since he was selected by the Predators in the eighth round (No. 258) of the 2004 NHL Draft.
"It is special being 15 years in the same organization, same city and the opportunities I've had through local charities and in my community," Rinne said. "It's very special to me."
Rinne credited former Predators coach Barry Trotz, now coach of the New York Islanders, for getting him started helping in the community early in Rinne's NHL career.
"He was always encouraging guys to get involved and he was very close with Best Buddies here in Nashville," Rinne said. "Also, when you're a young player, you don't always believe in yourself, that you can make a difference. Once you start putting yourself out there, you recognize and realize it really can make a difference."
Rinne, who was chosen by a committee of senior NHL executives led by Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, received a $25,000 donation from the National Hockey League Foundation.
New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban and San Jose Sharks forward Kurtis Gabriel, the two runners-up, each received a $5,000 donation.
"I want to congratulate P.K. and Kurtis for your nominations and for everything you do in your communities and around the League," Rinne said.
NHL.com staff writer Tracey Myers contributed to this report