Central Division rivals Colorado and Nashville swapped backup goalies Saturday in a trade that speaks to where both franchises feel they are right now.
In acquiring Justus Annunen, 24, plus a sixth-round pick next June from the Avalanche in exchange for veteran Scott Wedgewood, the Predators, 7-12-5, have an eye past this season. Internally, there’s hope the Predators’ goaltending department led by Mitch Korn can unlock some of that potential from Annunen. The fact that Annunen is eight years younger than Wedgewood made this trade appealing given the disappointing season Nashville is having.
For the Avalanche, it’s all about the here and now. The hope is that the veteran Wedgewood, 32, will help stabilize things while starting goalie Alexandar Georgiev finds his game. The Avs, 13-11-0, are 30th in the NHL in goals against per game entering play Saturday.
Wedgewood appeared in 32 games with the Dallas Stars last season, helping give the team solid insurance behind No. 1 Jake Oettinger. He signed a two-year, $3-million deal with Nashville on July 1 as a UFA.
Wedgewood went 1-2-1 with a .878 save percentage this season for the Preds.
Annunen, drafted 64th overall by the Avs in 2018, went 6-4-0 for Colorado this season with a .872 SP.
The Preds also traded away Philip Tomasino to the Penguins earlier this past week and have indicated to clubs they remain open for business — especially to trading for younger players.
(Photo: Michael Martin / NHLI)
