Tanner Molendyk Outlasts Fellow Predators Prospects to Earn Extensive Consideration in Preseason

Once more, this time in English. As soon as the speaker had left the stage a long queue had formed to the exits. Finally the two pairs met – this time by car! – to return home. Tanner Molendyk stood out among Nashville Predators’ roster members for their Oct. 5 preseason game against Carolina Hurricanes as one of only two remaining without NHL experience on their training camp roster – first-round selection from 2023 NHL Draft by Nashville but yet without having played even a single NHL game himself! He brings special talent and will serve as an integral piece of their defense in future seasons. As Molendyk has shown tremendous progression across his game in just the past year, his time may come sooner than originally predicted in Nashville. Molendyk remains in development mode at his age; however, Predators head coach Andrew Brunette noted he could soon join NHL play based on recent performance indicators. “But I believe he’s close enough that NHL readiness may soon follow.” “Molendyk, who played alongside Roman Josi on Saturday’s top defensive pairing against Carolina, is only 19 and must decide between playing for Saskatoon (WHL) or staying with Nashville Predators this season in terms of contract situation and playing nine NHL games without impact. Due to these rules, Molendyk may choose either returning home after only nine NHL appearances without incurring further contract implications – or remaining for nine game “tryout”. Molendyk signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Predators last year that will activate once he plays 10 professional hockey games at either AHL or NHL levels, although his options for 2024-25 remain open as he survives latest roster cuts by Nashville. Molendyk stands as one of the more fluid and mobile skaters from 2023 draft class making him difficult to defend against. “He improved his offensive numbers significantly last season in Saskatoon,” Brunette observed, noting his improved offensive numbers of 56 points (10 goals and 46 assists over 50 games – an 18-point increase over his prior campaign). It “doesn’t look like he’s digging.” But his strength will develop naturally; but due to being such an excellent skater and strong on his feet, I think his true strengths lie elsewhere – such as offensive capabilities thanks to how well he skates into plays and get himself involved. Molendyk may no longer need to prove himself at junior hockey levels, yet there’s already an overcrowded defense roster at Nashville Predators that makes his NHL presence uncertain.” Molendyk has reignited debate about whether or not AHL regulations should be adjusted for players like Molendyk who possess skills beyond their years. Brunette does not support such proposals: “No; that is just my personal opinion,” Brunette responded. “Everyone has an opinion, but my best recommendation would be if your player is struggling at this level to play junior baseball in World Juniors and develop his or her skill set without going back up into the American League – sometimes this league can be daunting for young players and their development.” My experience has shown me that when people head down there, their game often quickly unravels due to how challenging the environment can be. Therefore, my advice would be: go down, play big minutes, make every situation count and have fun! Pro hockey can be difficult enough; I would rather you enjoy another year of junior and come prepared [into the NHL]. “Even if Nashville assigns Molendyk to Saskatoon to begin this season, once he turns 20 in February he could join Milwaukee Admirals of AHL Milwaukee Admirals; whether Saturday’s preseason matchup was his last appearance for Nashville this season is yet unknown but we shouldn’t have too long before Molendyk wears Predators gold full-time!