The Colorado Avalanche have officially inked a two-year, one-way NHL contract with goaltender Justus Annunen. The 24-year-old Finnish standout was drafted by the Avalanche in the third round of the 2018 draft and honed his skills over two seasons playing in Finland before making this leap to the NHL.

History

During the 2020–21 season, Justus Annunen made his debut with the Colorado Eagles, although it was shortened due to the global pandemic. In his two regular-season appearances, he maintained a .900 save percentage and conceded just under three goals per game.

Working closely with former Avalanche goaltender Peter Budaj during his time in Loveland, Annunen significantly improved, reducing his goals allowed average from 3.01 to 2.55 in just one season. His efforts earned him the title of AHL Goaltender of the Month for November 2021. Over his four-year tenure as the starting goaltender, Annunen compiled a record of 60–29–19 and boasted a .905 save percentage.

Annunen received his first call-up to the Avalanche for the December 6, 2021 game against the Philadelphia Flyers, where he faced 37 shots and conceded five goals in a loss. He had one more opportunity that season, facing the Ottawa Senators. Since then, Annunen has showcased remarkable performance, maintaining a career NHL average of 2.85 goals allowed per game and a .908 save percentage. In the current season, he recorded back-to-back shutouts against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Chris MacFarland, commenting on Annunen’s signing, stated, “Justus is a dedicated young goaltender who has earned his chance to compete at the NHL level. He has shown consistent improvement and growth in the AHL and has performed admirably in his appearances with the Avalanche. We are thrilled to have him signed for the next two seasons.”