Former Avalanche Goalie Heating Up After Finding New Home In Nashville

Justus Annunen has been on a roll lately, and the Nashville Predators are seeing the benefits.

Annunen made 27 saves Wednesday night in a 4-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. It was his fourth consecutive win, helping Nashville extend its winning streak to six games.

Anaheim had been one of the league’s hottest offensive teams, scoring at least five goals in eight straight games before Wednesday. Cutter Gauthier scored again, extending his goal streak to seven games, but the Ducks couldn’t get much going beyond that.

Annunen has now won four straight starts, posting a 2.50 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage during that stretch.

It’s another encouraging sign for a goaltender who had a busy summer with Finland. Annunen helped his country win gold at the IIHF Men’s World Championship, going 7-1 with a 1.47 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage.

Colorado originally drafted Annunen in the third round in 2018. He spent parts of four seasons with the Avalanche, appeared in 34 games and was part of the 2022 Stanley Cup championship team.

The Avalanche traded him to Nashville in November 2025. Now, he’s getting his chance with the Predators, and he’s certainly giving them a reason to keep turning to him.