Justus Hermanni Annunen Bio
Justus Hermanni Annunen, nicknamed “Juice” or “Big Juice”, is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Nashville Predators in the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the third round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Annunen has progressed through notable domestic leagues and international competitions, establishing himself as a promising talent in professional hockey.
Early Life and Background
Born on March 11, 2000, in Kempele, Finland, Justus Annunen began his hockey journey at a young age. He first appeared in competitive play at 14 years old with Kiekko-Laser at the junior under-18 level in 2014. His early exposure to hockey in Finland’s strong youth system set the foundation for his development as a goaltender.
Annunen advanced to join Oulun Kärpät’s under-18 team by the 2016–17 season, where he made 30 appearances. His performance in junior leagues demonstrated his potential, leading to his professional debut in Finland’s top-tier Liiga near the end of the 2017–18 season. He also earned recognition as the best goalie in the Jr. A league, contributing to his team’s silver medal finish.
Path to Hockey
Annunen’s early career was marked by steady progression through Finnish junior and professional ranks. After being ranked as the fourth-best international goalie eligible for the NHL draft, he was selected 64th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2018. To gain more experience, he was loaned to Kokkolan Hermes in Finland’s Mestis league for the 2018–19 season, where he posted solid statistics in 22 games.
Returning to Oulun Kärpät, Annunen split time between the professional Liiga team and the junior squad, helping the latter capture the Jr. A SM-liiga championship. His development was further highlighted by setting a Liiga record for the longest shutout streak during a single season in 2019, showcasing his growing skill and consistency.
Justus Annunen Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Annunen’s professional career began in earnest with Oulun Kärpät, where he served as backup goaltender and earned his first Liiga win in September 2019. He signed a two-year contract extension that solidified his role on the team. During the 2019–20 season, he posted impressive numbers, including leading all goaltenders in save percentage and goals-against average before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
His strong performances earned him recognition as one of the top goalies in the league, finishing third in voting for the Urpo Ylönen trophy awarded to the best goalkeeper in Liiga.
Colorado Avalanche Breakthrough (2020–2024)
In April 2020, Annunen signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche. He was loaned back to Oulun Kärpät for the 2020–21 season, where he played a career-high 24 games. After the Finnish season, he transitioned to North America, joining the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles, in May 2021.
Adapting to the North American style, Annunen initially faced challenges but soon earned the AHL’s Goaltender of the Month award in November 2021. He made his NHL debut in December 2021, recording his first NHL win shortly after. Annunen was part of the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup-winning organization, dressing for playoff games but not appearing on the ice during the finals.
Nashville Predators Era (2024–Present)
On November 30, 2024, Annunen was traded to the Nashville Predators, where he assumed the backup goaltender role behind Juuse Saros. The shared nickname “Juice” between the two goaltenders led to Annunen adopting the moniker “Big Juice” to distinguish himself. Early in the 2024–25 season, he has shown solid form, starting multiple games and contributing to the team’s goaltending depth.
Playing Style and Strengths
Annunen is known for his size and agility, standing 193 cm tall and weighing 94 kg, which aids his net coverage. His strong positional play, quick reflexes, and composure under pressure make him effective in high-stakes situations. His ability to maintain focus and execute shutouts has been a hallmark throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his career highlights is setting the Liiga record for the longest shutout streak in a single season. His NHL debut and first win with the Colorado Avalanche marked key milestones, as did being part of the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup-winning roster in 2022. His trade to Nashville in 2024 represents a new chapter in his professional journey.
Justus Annunen Career Wins
Throughout his career, Justus Annunen has accumulated notable wins across Finnish Liiga, the American Hockey League, and the National Hockey League. His consistent performances in domestic leagues and his progression to the NHL underscore his development as a reliable goaltender.
Liiga Highlights
Annunen’s tenure with Oulun Kärpät saw him achieve multiple shutouts and a record-setting shutout streak. He led the league in key goaltending statistics during the 2019–20 season, demonstrating his impact at the top Finnish professional level.
Other Wins & Performances
In the AHL with the Colorado Eagles, Annunen earned the Goaltender of the Month award in November 2021 and recorded his first NHL win with the Colorado Avalanche in December 2021. His international play includes helping Finland secure a gold medal at the 2018 IIHF World U18 Championships.
Justus Annunen Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Details about Annunen’s family background and lineage are not publicly documented. His development in Finnish hockey systems reflects the strong local support and training infrastructure common in Finland.
Personal Life
Public information about Annunen’s personal life, including marital status or children, is not available. He maintains a professional focus on his hockey career.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2024–25 NHL season, Annunen has taken on the backup goaltender role for the Nashville Predators. Early season performances show promise as he shares duties with starter Juuse Saros. His adaptation to a new team and league environment will be crucial for his continued development and contribution to the Predators’ success.
The dynamic between Annunen and Saros, both sharing the nickname “Juice”, has been a unique storyline, resolved by distinguishing Annunen as “Big Juice”. This season offers Annunen the opportunity to solidify his position in the NHL and build on his prior achievements.