The Predators practiced hard but had some fun Friday before heading to Tampa Bay for today's preseason game.
Tanner Molendyk
The Nashville Predators announced Friday that the team has assigned Tanner Molendyk to the Saskatoon Blades. The Nashville Predators selected Molendyk with the 24th overall pick of the 2023 NHL draft. The defenseman is returning for his fourth season with the Blades. In 2022-23, he played 67 regular season games and scored nine goals and 37 points. In his 18 playoff games, Molendyk score three goals and eight points.
Roman Josi and Luke Schenn
Roman Josi has spent a lot of time in training camp and in preseason action playing together with offseason free agent signing Luke Schenn. A 2008 first round draft pick for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Schenn was traded to the Maple Leafs at the trade deadline in a deal that gave the Vancouver Canucks a 2023 third round pick in exchange for the veteran defenseman. This offseason, Barry Trotz signed Schenn to a three-year, $8.25 million contract.
Roman Josi on Schenn's style of play:
"He's one of the guys you hate playing against. Every time we have a physical presence like him on the back end, as a player especially a forward you're always kind of aware of that then. He's the all time leader in hits as a defenseman, so he plays the game hard."
Josi on partnering with Schenn:
"I think for a guy like me who is less physical than him, it opens up a lot of space and frees you up a little bit."
A Fun But Competitive Drill
During Group B's practice this afternoon, the players spent time working on a small space drill. The coaching staff divided half the ice again and played the gold team against the blue team.
Head coach Andrew Brunette talked about the drill after practice.
"One, I like to see compete even though it's a little game and games are fun. And I like to see small area plays. I think in our game everything's tight. You have to be good in those small areas if you want to create offense. So I really want to see a couple of guys if their computers can make plays in those small areas. It was a lot of fun to watch."
For the record, gold came back from being down nine to two to win. According to Brunette, he's been playing this game a long time and it's the first time he's seen a team come back from as big a deficit to win.
What Surprised Andrew Brunette
The Predators are just ten days into training camp and with a new head coach and new system, there is still plenty to learn. On Friday I asked Andrew Brunette what has surprised him about this team so far in training camp.
I probably didn't realize how close they are and how much they enjoy each other. They really like being around each other. When you see that as a coach you always feel good because usually when they like being around each other and like working together good things happen."
The Predators play a preseason game this afternoon against the Tampa Bay Lightning at 4:00 pm CT. They will be back at practice Sunday morning before getting a day off Monday.
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