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.

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.