With the 24th overall pick in the NHL Draft, the Nashville Predators added defender Tanner Molendyk from the Saskatoon Blades.
Molendyk was a bit of a reach in the first round, according to the consensus rankings, with most people projecting him as an early- or mid-second round pick. According to the EliteProspects.com draft report, he’s a phenomenal skater who can throw a solid hit. He struggled to score this season, however, with the draft-day analysts speculating that his reduced power-play time may have significantly impacted his offensive production.
In 67 games in the WHL this season, Molendyk scored 37 points, only nine of them goals, while adding 37 PIM. He had three goals and five assists in the Blades’ 18-game postseason run.
It’s possible that a different system will lead to better results for Molendyk, and we’ll bring you a closer look at him, like the rest of the Preds’ draft picks, as the week continues.