DENVER — Justus Annunen has had a shorter offseason than usual, but it’s because of an experience he’ll never forget.
The Colorado Avalanche goalie prospect was in uniform for the Avalanche for part of their run to the Stanley Cup last season. He dressed as Pavel Francouz‘s backup in Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round against the Nashville Predators after Darcy Kuemper sustained an eye injury, and dressed for Games 2 and 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers, again backing up Francouz following an upper-body injury to Kuemper.
“It’s like what I have always dreamed about, being part of who wins the Stanley Cup,” Annunen said at the Avalanche development camp in July. “So it was an awesome experience.”
Annunen did not play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs but did play two regular-season games, winning his first NHL start Dec. 6, 2021, when he made 27 saves and had an assist in a 7-5 win at the Philadelphia Flyers.
The 22-year-old (6-foot-4, 210 pounds) was the No. 1 goalie last season for the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League, going 24-13-6 with a 3.01 goals-against average, .893 save percentage and two shutouts in 48 regular-season games.
His play improved during the Calder Cup Playoffs, when he was 6-3 with a 2.46 GAA and .923 save percentage in nine games.
“Justus’ first season in North America went as we expected in terms of his development,” Avalanche director of player development Brian Willsie said. “Goalies develop at their own pace, and Justus faced some adversity [last season] but he had a strong finish to the season and a solid showing in the playoffs. We’re excited to see his continued upward trajectory in Year Two.”
Annunen, who played two games for the Eagles in 2020-21, said he initially had difficulty adapting to the North American game.
“I think the beginning of [last] The season was pretty tough for me because it’s so different than hockey in Finland,” he said. “I had to take some time to get used to the game, but like after seven to 10 games, I felt really comfortable. I think I played really well for a long time, and then the end of the regular season was hard for me. I had like five, six bad games, but I think I played really well in the playoffs.”
Annunen said he learned a lot from the Avalanche coaching staff.
“It was of course easy to work with (Avalanche goaltending coach) Jussi [Parkkila]. We got to talk in Finnish, so that’s really easy,” he said. “With the Eagles, I first had Ryan Bach. I liked him a lot. I think he was fun to work with, and I had (Avalanche development goaltending coach) Peter Budaj after that. He’s played recently (retired in 2019 after 13 seasons as an NHL goalie), so of course he knows … how the game is nowadays. He helped me a lot.”
A third-round pick by the Avalanche (No. 64) in the 2018 NHL Draft, Annunen has spent most of his offseason at home in Finland, traveling and preparing for the Avalanche rookie camp. His plan is to continue improving his game, and he’s focused on another opportunity to shoulder the load for the Eagles.
Willsie said Annunen will get a chance to play in the 2022 Rookie Faceoff on Sept. 16-19 in San Jose. The tournament will feature prospects from six NHL teams.
“The Rookie Faceoff will be an excellent challenge against some of the League’s top prospects and a great way for him to start off this season,” Willsie said. “We’re looking for continued progress and growth and for him to improve on his consistency.”
Which is fine with Annunen.
“I like to play a lot,” he said. “It’s always easier to play the game when you play almost every game. I like it. …
“For a goalie, I think you just need to have experience. So just try to play as many games as you can and just be patient. Nobody’s ever perfect. So you just need to play as many games as you can and try to get better every day, and you will get your chance when it’s time.”
.