The Colorado Avalanche and Nashville Predators have orchestrated a swap of backup goaltenders, with Scott Wedgewood heading to Denver and Justus Annunen going the other way to Nashville. The deal, finalized on Saturday, also sees the Predators receive a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft as part of the exchange.
Wedgewood Brings Veteran Presence to Avalanche Crease
In acquiring the 32-year-old Wedgewood, the Avalanche gain an experienced netminder to provide competition and support for incumbent starter Alexandar Georgiev. Wedgewood, who signed a two-year contract with the Predators in July, has appeared in four games this season, posting a 1-2-1 record with a 3.69 goals-against average.
Over his NHL career, Wedgewood has suited up for seven different teams, compiling a 37-35-9 record with a 3.10 GAA and .902 save percentage. His veteran presence and ability to handle spot starts should prove valuable for an Avalanche squad looking to defend their Stanley Cup title.
Scott is a proven, reliable goaltender who brings a wealth of experience to our team. We’re excited to add him to our group and believe he’ll be a great fit in our locker room.
– Colorado Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland, per a team source
Annunen Joins Predators as Saros’ Understudy
Heading to Nashville, the 24-year-old Annunen will slot in as the primary backup to Predators’ All-Star goaltender Juuse Saros. A third-round pick by the Avalanche in 2018, Annunen has appeared in ten games this season, registering a 6-4-0 record with a 3.23 GAA and .899 save percentage.
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-4, Annunen brings size and potential to a Predators team looking to solidify their goaltending depth. With Saros firmly entrenched as the starter, Annunen will have the opportunity to learn from one of the league’s top netminders while providing reliable spot start duty when called upon.
Justus is a talented young goaltender with tremendous upside. We believe he has all the tools to develop into a quality NHL netminder, and we’re thrilled to bring him into our organization.
– Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz, according to an insider
Draft Pick Sweetens Deal for Predators
In addition to acquiring Annunen, the Predators also receive a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. While late-round selections are often viewed as lottery tickets, the additional pick provides Nashville with another asset to potentially bolster their prospect pipeline down the line.
Mutual Benefit in Goalie Exchange
On the surface, this trade appears to be a win-win scenario for both clubs. The Avalanche shore up their goaltending depth with a proven veteran in Wedgewood, while the Predators add a promising young netminder in Annunen along with a draft pick to sweeten the deal.
As the NHL season progresses, it will be intriguing to monitor how both goaltenders fare with their new teams. For Wedgewood, the opportunity to compete for starts on a championship-caliber roster could provide a late-career renaissance. Meanwhile, Annunen will look to soak up knowledge from Saros as he aims to establish himself as a reliable NHL backstop.
Goaltending depth is often a crucial factor in the marathon that is the NHL regular season and playoffs. With this swap of backup netminders, both the Avalanche and Predators hope they’ve bolstered their respective creases for the challenges that lie ahead.
