The Colorado Avalanche have tried to handle their goaltending issues by buying veteran Scott Wedgewood from the Nashville Predators in a commerce on Saturday. In alternate, the Avalanche despatched 24-year-old goaltender Justus Annunen and a 2025 sixth-round draft decide to Nashville.
We have now traded Justus Annunen and a 2025 draft decide to the Nashville Predators in alternate for Scott Wedgewood. pic.twitter.com/UXXYvAynB6
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) November 30, 2024
This commerce gives rapid stability for the Avalanche in internet. Wedgewood, 32, brings a wealth of expertise and reliability to the backup position. Final season, he appeared in a career-high 32 video games for the Dallas Stars, showcasing his capacity to deal with a gentle workload. Whereas Wedgewood isn’t anticipated to be a game-changer, his monitor document suggests he can present the consistency the Avalanche want to assist No. 1 goalie Alexandar Georgiev regain his kind.
The transfer comes at a slight price to Colorado’s cap house, as Wedgewood’s $1.5 million cap hit via subsequent season is $662,500 greater than Annunen’s contract. Nonetheless, the Avalanche clearly felt Annunen’s efficiency wasn’t assembly expectations. In 11 video games this season, Annunen posted a 3.23 goals-against common and an .872 save share, struggling particularly in opposition to playoff-caliber opponents.
Predators are Betting on Potential in Annunen Commerce
For the Predators, the commerce is a guess on potential. Annunen is eight years youthful than Wedgewood and presents intriguing upside as a 24-year-old with a 6’4″ body and flashes of promise. Nashville’s goaltending division will look to unlock extra from Annunen, who turns into a restricted free agent after subsequent season.
The deal additionally alerts that the Predators are keeping track of the longer term, prioritizing youth and potential improvement whereas remaining energetic in reshaping their roster. With Wedgewood entering into Colorado’s crease and Annunen getting a recent begin in Nashville, each groups seem to have addressed key wants with this transaction.
Time will inform the way it performs out for each golf equipment.
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