Nashville Predators Pick 24: Tanner Molendyk

With their second pick in the first round the Predators select a defenseman with impressive skating skills.

With pick 24 the Nashville Predators selected defenseman Tanner Molendyk from the WHL. Molendyk finished his season with the Saskatoon Blades with nine goals, 37 points, and a +31. 

The 18 year old British Columbia native is credited with being one of the best skating defensemen in the draft this year. Molendyk uses his speed and edge work to close gaps and avoid checks. He also plays a strong transition game. Considered by some to be an undersized defender at 5 feet 11 inches tall, Moledyk acknowledged that people may underestimate him as a defender, but he is ready to take on that challenge. 

When asked which player he is most excited to play against, Molendyk laughed and replied, "McDavid."

The new Predators pick shared what he thought he could bring to a Predators team that boasts talented offensively minded defensemen. 

"I feel like I have really good edges and really good speed."

The Nashville Predators talked with Molendyk at the combine, conversations that the new Predators draft pick referred to as "easy".

"They did come and talk to me. It was pretty cool - a lot of laughs. They just kept it easy."

He liked the hockey vibe he experienced these last few days in Nashville and says he is "pumped" to be here. He is also looking forward to meeting Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi. 

Molendyk will join Matthew Wood, Nashville's fifteenth pick tonight at development camp beginning next week.