Molendyk Drafted to Nashville Predators in 1st Round
Published on June 28, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release
Nashville, TN- Saskatoon Blades defenceman Tanner Molendyk is the newest member of the Nashville Predators organization. The 2005-born defenceman was selected in the 1st Round (24th overall) at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
The 5-foot-11 blueliner was a rock for the Blue and Gold during the 2022-23 WHL season. In 67 games, the left-handed shot notched 37 points (9G, 28A) and collected 37 penalty minutes. Molendyk also finished second on the club in +/- at +31, good enough for tenth in the league.
On Jan. 23rd, the silky-skating defenceman represented Team White at the the 2023 CHL Top Prospects game in Langley, BC, finishing +1 with an assist en route to a 4-2 win over Team Red. A McBride, BC product, Molendyk's brilliance shined no brighter than in the 2023 WHL Playoffs. Molendyk averaged nearly 30-minutes a game while going against some of the league's top stars and still managed to score three goals and eight points in 18 playoff appearances, helping lead the Blue and Gold to their first Eastern Conference Championship berth since 1994.
The 2023 NHL Entry Draft marks the sixth year in a row a Blades drafted player has had their name called to the stage.
2022 - Toronto Maple Leafs - F Brandon Lisowsky (218th overall)
2021 - Chicago Blackhawks - F Colton Dach (62nd overall)
2020 - San Jose Sharks - F Tristen Robins (56th overall)
2019 - Chicago Blackhawks - F Kirby Dach (3rd overall)
2018 - Washington Capitals - F Eric Florchuk (217th overall)
Western Hockey League Stories from June 28, 2023
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- Molendyk Drafted to Nashville Predators in 1st Round - Saskatoon Blades
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