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BREAKING: Avalanche sign Annunen to one-way deal

  
Annunen
Justus Annunen started in the crease for the Colorado Avalanche in their preseason opener against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday September 24, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Pro Hockey Rumors)

Updated: March 26, 2024 3:38 MT

The Colorado Avalanche have announced that they have signed goaltender Justus Annunen to a two-year, one-way NHL contract. The Avalanche drafted the 24-year-old Finnish phenom in the third round of the 2018 draft and spent two seasons playing in Finland after.

History

Annunen first reported to the Colorado Eagles during the 2020–21 season that was cut short but a worldwide pandemic. He played two regular season games in which he had a .900 save percentage and allowed just under three goals in each game.

During his time in Loveland with the Eagles, Annunen has worked closely with former Avalanche goaltender Peter Budaj. He would help him drop his goals allowed an average of 3.01 to 2.55 in just one season. Annunen also achieved the recognition of being named AHL Goaltender of The Month for November in 2021. Over the four years that Annunen held the starting role, he would leave northern Colorado with a record of 60–29–19 and a .905 save percentage.

Annunen would get his first call up to the Avalanche for the Philadelphia Flyers game on December 6, 2021. He would allow five goals in 37 shots in the loss. He would only get one other opportunity for the rest of the season against the Ottawa Senators. Since then, Annunen has been spectacular, posting a NHL career of 2.85 goals allowed average and .908 save percentage. Just this season alone, Annunen would post two consecutive shutouts against the Chicago Blackhawks.

“Justus is a hard-working young goaltender who has earned this opportunity to compete at the NHL level,” said Chris MacFarland. “He has continued to improve and develop his game in the AHL and has played well in his appearances with the Avalanche. We are excited to have him under contract for the next two seasons.”

Conclusion

It has now been confirmed,  and it sounds like the contract will be for $837,500 per year. This is a fantastic deal, considering this avoids his restricted free agency status this summer. The contract will carry past Alexandar Georgiev’s, which means there is a good chance that Colorado could have a starting goalie for less than one million dollars in 2025–26.

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