What happened: Justus Annunen has established himself as a reliable presence for the Nashville Predators after struggling to find consistency with the Colorado Avalanche. The goaltender was traded for Scott Wedgewood, giving both teams the stability they sought. Following a rocky start in Nashville, Annunen settled in during the 2025-26 season.
Why it matters: The move allowed Annunen to escape the pressure of sporadic playing time and build his confidence with regular starts. His recent form suggests he is developing into the top-tier option the Avalanche originally envisioned. This breakout NHL performance also paved the way for his international success against Roman Josi and his national team.
By the numbers: Annunen finished the 2025-26 NHL season with a 10-12-2 record, a 2.68 goals-against average, and a .907 save percentage. He recorded a 43-save shutout before dominating the World Championship with a 1.47 GAA and .933 save percentage. He stopped all 22 shots he faced in the 1-0 gold medal game.
What to watch: Nashville will look for Annunen to build on his strong finish as they prepare for the 2026-27 season. His recent momentum could solidify his role in the crease moving forward.