Justus Annunen changed scenery in the middle of last season.
Justus Annunen is the second goalie of the Nashville Predators. Tomi Natri / All Over Press
Finland’s NHL promise Justus Annunen has experienced many changes in a short period of time.
The Colorado Avalanche matured his reserve near the Rockies for a long time and diligently, so that he could one day carry the responsibility of the number one defender in the organization.
Denver’s puck pride, however, traded its 25-year-old Finnish promise to Nashville. For Annus, the deal was a surprise.
– However, I managed to be there for a while, so it came as a bit of a surprise. Last season, myself and many others had a bit of a difficult early season. When things don’t work as they should, you know that something might happen, he said.
– However, there is now a pressure to succeed and a must-win situation.
However, Annunen has not been left to worry too much about it. Nashville has treated him well.
Familiar angles helped prepare for this season.
– I ended up moving to the same place as last year. It’s easier when you know the corners. The city is nice. I have settled into Nashville well.
Pohjalainen also values the club’s fans highly. The home cave of Predators is at the top of the series in terms of atmosphere.
– Even if we won more for them, that would be good, he smiles.
Bedfellow
Clubmates Juuse Saros (left) and Justus Annunen (center) represented Finland at last spring’s World Championships. The goalkeeper trio was completed by Emil Larmi. Tomi Natri / All Over Press
Annus had Finnish teammates in Colorado, when the same organization played puck over the years, among others Mikko Rantanen, Joel Kiviranta, Artturi Lehkonen and played in North America for a year Jere Innala.
In addition, Avalanche also has a Finnish coach Jussi Parkkila.
There are more compatriots in Nashville as well, but now he also gets to work with a Finnish goalkeeper colleague.
The Predators’ number one guard Juuse Saros showing his younger official brother how things work in a country town.
The duo’s chemistry quickly met.
– The cooperation is going great, Annunen announces.
– Of course it makes it easier when there is another Finn. Juuse has welcomed me well and shown me how things work. And all the time we get to know each other better and better.
It can be concluded from Annus’s words that he has a high regard for one of the best Finnish NHL guards in history.
– It’s such a dream situation personally that I get to learn from Juuse. Everything has gone really well.
Rumors are that the Finnish couple is being taken away from Annus at a fast pace, because Saros is closely involved in transfer rumors.
How does it feel when a Finnish colleague is the subject of rumours?
– Well, that’s a bit part of this job. Let others say what they say, Annunen acknowledged.
Annunen and the Predators will next play on the night before Sunday Finnish time. The match is the team’s first since last weekend’s Stockholm Global Series matches.