What Happened
Sportsnet published a list of five young NHL players positioned for breakout seasons. Among them is Nashville Predators goaltender Justus Annunen, who started several critical games last season as the team pushed for the playoffs under coach Andrew Brunette. The list also includes Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Denton Mateychuk, who is expected to open the season on the top pair with Zach Werenski.
Key Details
- Juuse Saros has started 311 of Nashville's 410 games over the past five seasons, a league-high 75.9 per cent.
- Annunen, 26, saved 20.3 goals above expected (2.06 per 60) over his final 10 starts last season.
- Only Joel Hofer (21.7) and Jakub Dobes (20.5) posted higher marks after the Olympic break.
- Annunen ranked second in GAA (1.83) and save percentage (.938) among 42 goalies with 10-plus post-break starts.
- Mateychuk, 22, logged over 350 five-on-five minutes with Werenski last season.
- Columbus generated 52.8 per cent of expected goals with Werenski and Mateychuk on the ice together.
What It Means
Annunen's strong finish could challenge Juuse Saros's long-held starting role in Nashville, especially with Saros having declined from his peak in recent years. In Columbus, Mateychuk's underlying numbers alongside Werenski suggest he could handle top-pair minutes, giving the Blue Jackets a second defenceman to watch behind their Norris Trophy winner.
What's Next
Both players are expected to open the 2026-27 season in expanded roles: Annunen with a chance to close the gap on Saros in Nashville, and Mateychuk on Columbus's top pair with Werenski.