Juuse Saros had a tough year for the Nashville Predators in 2025-26, which is not an encouraging sign given the money and term on his contract. What is encouraging, with that, is how well Justus Annunen played down the stretch of his third real season as a pro.
Annunen played like one of the league's best goaltenders when they came back from the Olympic break, backed up by the box score, underlying numbers, and eye test. The Predators started relying on him much more, letting him take over starting duties in the midst of their playoff push, which is likely to carry over into 2026-27.
That is not to say that Annunen will become the full-time starter, but the Predators would be wise to balance the starts more closely between the two goaltenders, given their respective trajectories. Such a development would give Annunen potentially the largest role he has ever had in any singular season in the NHL.
Justus Annunen could earn long-term NHL future with strong campaign in 2026-27
Over the past three years, it is undeniable that Saros has taken a step back in terms of his overall level of play. It is not all his fault at all, as the Predators have played him in a lot of games, many of which he has been left all alone in front of a horrible defense. Regardless, he just has not been as consistent as he once was.
That is not to say Saros cannot once again unlock his elite form and play like one of the league's best goaltenders, but it might not happen if the Predators continue to run him into the ground. Their defense is largely the same as it was last year, and reducing the number of games Saros plays would likely keep him fresh and result in better performances.
Additionally, Annunen's performance last year shows that the Predators have a second goaltender who they can rely on in more ways than just a typical backup. It would be a best of both worlds situation where they could showcase him more and give Saros healthy rests, and they should take advantage of it.
With this, it is easy to see how Annunen is in for the biggest opportunity of his career, in terms of how much he can prove himself. He is likely to play in as many if not more games in a single season than he ever has before, and he is in a year where he can truly legitimize himself as a strong goaltender.
Annunen did play 34 games in the 2024-25 season, but at no point before or during that time had he done enough to truly make a name for himself. Those 34 games are also slightly misleading; he was splitting the net fairly evenly in Colorado before getting dealt to Nashville just two months into the season, where he became the clear backup.
Down the stretch in 2025-26, he played 10 of the 25 games after the Olympic break, which would put him on pace for about 33 starts in an 82-game season. He very likely plays more than that, probably at around the 37-game mark, given that he is still unlikely to start more games than Saros.
There are still obvious questions regarding whether or not he can still be consistent with an expanded role over an 82-game season, but the talent and recent performance indicate a player whose arrow is pointing up. The future is bright for Annunen, and this year is the start of that.
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