Nashville Predators goaltender Justus Annunen (29) watches the play as defenseman Roman Josi (59) and Vegas Golden Knights forward Pavel Dorofeyev (16) jockey in front of the net on March 21, 2026 at Bridgestone Arena. JOHN RUSSELL/NASHVILLE PREDATORS

There’s no goaltender controversy in Nashville.

Juuse Saros, in the first season of an eight-year, $61.92 million contract extension with the Predators, is a face of the franchise and still capable of performing at a world-class level, as he displayed in leading Finland to a bronze medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

The Predators are, however, growing in their trust of backup goalie Justus Annunen, who’s enjoyed one of the best stretches of his career since the Olympic break. The 26-year-old is 3-4 with a 2.18 goals-against average and .925 save percentage during that span.

“He’s been really good,” Predators coach Andrew Brunette said. “I think for us, with Big Juice playing the way he has, especially with the amount of games, we feel very comfortable and confident in his game.”

Annunen’s emergence has coincided with Nashville’s unexpected playoff chase.

Across his last seven starts, the 6-foot-4, 210-pounder has either protected leads or kept the Predators within one goal of their opponent until vacating the net in the final minutes for an extra skater.

“I try to always give my team a chance to win,” he said. “I think that’s the goalie’s job … that’s pretty much all you can do. You can’t pick when shots are coming or what kind of shots you’re getting. Just do your best and try to get the boys feeling comfortable in front of you.”

The Predators have gotten mixed results from Annunen since acquiring him from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Scott Wedgewood in November 2024, but the recent trend line is positive. Compared to last year, Annunen has lowered his GAA from 3.19 to 2.90 and increased his save percentage from .883 to .899 this season.

Nashville Predators forward Matthew Wood (71) congratulates goaltender Justus Annunen after a 3-1 win over the Seattle Kraken on March 19, 2026 at Bridgestone Arena. JOHN RUSSELL/NASHVILLE PREDATORS

Annunen isn’t just making the routine saves. He’s collected 8.2 goals saved above expected in his last 10 games, good for fourth most in the NHL behind only Jakub Dobes, Joel Hofer and Jeremy Swayman, according to MoneyPuck.com. Saros ranks ninth with 5.2 goals saved above expected in the same time frame.

When Saros suffered an upper-body injury during a morning skate on March 19, Annunen stepped in on short notice to stop 26 shots for a critical 3-1 win over the Seattle Kraken. He followed with 40 more saves in a 4-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights less than 48 hours later.

“He just looked calm and cool,” forward Steven Stamkos said after the Vegas win. “Pucks were hitting him, and they were sticking right to him. That’s when you know that goalies are in the zone. There’s no second or third chances. He was the biggest part of why we won this game.”

Annunen signed a two-year, $2.5 million contract in January to remain with the Predators through 2027-28. It’s a vote of confidence from the front office that already seems to be paying off.

Like any backup, Annunen would prefer to play more often. He appears roughly once every three games, and his minutes aren’t likely to increase as long as he’s behind the two-time All-Star in Saros.

But Annunen understands and embraces his role. At any given moment, he could be needed.

“It’s hard,” he said. “Everybody likes to play a lot, and that’s when the game is easier and you’re more comfortable in the net. I try to get myself ready in practices, always be ready and prepare the same way if I’m playing or not. I think that’s the only thing you can do.”

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