Goaltender Justus Annunen #60 of the Colorado Avalanche
In a surprising Saturday trade, the Colorado Avalanche and Nashville Predators have swapped backup goaltenders. The Predators are acquiring 24-year-old Justus Annunen from Colorado, while the Avalanche are bringing in veteran Scott Wedgewood from Nashville.
As part of the deal, the Predators also received a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, adding an extra layer of value to the transaction.
Justus Annunen Heads to Nashville
Annunen, a 6-foot-4 Finnish netminder, will now be tasked with backing up Nashville’s starting goaltender, Juuse Saros. Annunen has spent the majority of his professional career in the AHL with the Colorado Eagles, but has had brief stints with the Avalanche, showing flashes of potential in his limited NHL appearances.
Last season, Annunen posted a 3.23 goals-against average in 10 games with Colorado, a figure that reflects his ability to manage the crease at the NHL level despite inconsistent opportunities. Annunen was drafted by the Avalanche in the third round of the 2018 NHL Draft (64th overall) and has been viewed as a solid developmental prospect for the franchise.
Now, in Nashville, Annunen will get a chance to learn behind one of the league’s most reliable goaltenders in Saros. This move gives the Predators some added depth in net while keeping their eyes on the future, as Annunen still has considerable upside despite his relatively modest stats to date.
Scott Wedgewood Joins the Avalanche
In return, the Avalanche are adding 31-year-old Scott Wedgewood to their goaltending mix. Wedgewood has been a journeyman backup in the NHL, having spent time with several teams, including the Arizona Coyotes, New Jersey Devils, and Dallas Stars. Last season, he appeared in 16 games for the Stars, posting a 3.17 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage. While not known for flashy performances, Wedgewood has proven to be a reliable backup capable of stepping in when needed.
For Colorado, this trade provides veteran stability behind starter Alexandar Georgiev, who is coming off a solid campaign but could benefit from the additional support in case of injury or a midseason slump. Wedgewood’s experience and steady play could be exactly what the Avalanche need to round out their goaltending tandem and ensure depth as they continue to push for a Stanley Cup contender status.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will be hoping that their new backups can offer solid support throughout the season. For Nashville, the acquisition of Annunen could prove to be a smart long-term investment, with the goaltender still young enough to develop into a more significant role in the years ahead. Meanwhile, Colorado will be counting on Wedgewood to bring consistent depth behind Georgiev, especially as they continue their quest for another championship.
The trade also highlights the ever-changing nature of NHL roster management, as both teams look to strengthen their positions ahead of the grind of an 82-game season. While backup goaltenders rarely get the spotlight, having the right one in place could make all the difference when the postseason rolls around.
