Avalanche acquire Scott Wedgewood from Predators for Justus Annunen in a backup goalie trade

Central Division rivals Colorado and Nashville swapped backup goalies Saturday in a trade that speaks to where both franchises are now.

Acquiring Justus Annunen, 24, plus a sixth-round pick in June from the Avalanche in exchange for veteran Scott Wedgewood, the Predators, 7-12-5, are looking past this season. Internally, there is hope that the Predators’ goaltending department led by Mitch Korn can unlock some of that potential from Annunen. The fact that Annunen is eight years younger than Wedgewood made this trade attractive considering the disappointing season Nashville is having.

For the Avalanche, it’s all about the here and now. The hope is that the veteran Wedgewood, 32, will help steady things while starting goaltender Alexandar Georgiev finds his game. The Avs, 13-11-0, are 30th in the NHL in goals against per game entering Saturday’s game.

Wedgewood played in 32 games with the Dallas Stars last season, giving the team solid insurance behind No. 1 Jake Oettinger. He signed a two-year, $3 million deal with Nashville on July 1 as a UFA.

Wedgewood went 1-2-1 with an .878 save percentage for the Preds this season.

Annunen, drafted 64th overall by the Avs in 2018, went 6-4-0 for Colorado this season with an .872 SP.

The Preds also traded Philip Tomasino away to the Penguins earlier this week and have told the clubs they remain open for business, especially trading for younger players.

(Photo: Michael Martin / NHLI)