**Breaking News** 🚨 📰
I’m told the @Avalanche are signing G Annunen to a 2 Yr 1 Way Contract Extension that will carry around 833K AAV. #GoAvsGo #HockeyX #HockeyTwitter @INEOSGrenadier pic.twitter.com/ZsD41bRgUl— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) March 26, 2024
The Colorado Avalanche are reportedly signing goaltender Justus Annunen to a two-year contract extension. NHL insider Kevin Weekes reports that the 24-year-old will receive a modest salary increase from $755K to an $833K AAV in his next contract.
Annunen was set to become a restricted free agent in the offseason. However, the young goaltender’s play this season has warranted an early (and well-deserved) extension.
Annunen has emerged as a viable — and much-needed — backup to Alexandar Georgiev. The former third-round pick in 2018 has worked his way into regular starts. In eight games played, Annunen has posted a 2.38 goals-against average and 0.926 save percentage.
After allowing four goals in his first three outings, Annunen has allowed two or fewer goals in four of his last five starts. Two of those starts also included back-to-back shutouts against the Chicago Blackhawks.
It would seem the Avalanche will give Annunen some leash on the backup goaltender role. I might even go as far as to say the team is grooming him to replace Georgiev after his contract expires.
The news comes on the heels of Pavel Francouz‘s “retirement,” as heard in general manager Chris MacFarland’s segment with the DNVR folks on Monday.
Annunen is the expected starter for the Avalanche on Tuesday against Montreal.
(Featured Image Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)
Chloe Wright