Predators Sign First-Round Pick Tanner Molendyk

The Nashville Predators have signed 2023 first-round pick Tanner Molendyk to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Predators selected Molendyk with the 24th overall pick back in June, and he is viewed as being a potential long-term part of their group later down the road. The 18-year-old spent this past season with the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL, where he posted nine goals, 37 points, and 37 penalty minutes.

Molendyk has received praise for his excellent defensive play and skating ability. Due to this, many believe that he has the tools to eventually become a top-four two-way defenseman at the NHL level.

Molendyk is likely to spend at least one more season with the Blades before eventually making the jump to the NHL. It will be intriguing to see how big of a season he can put together for the club in 2023-24.

The Predators also signed 2023 second-round Kalan Lind to his entry-level deal. Appearing in 43 games last season with the Red Deer Rebels, the 6-foot winger had 16 goals, 44 points, and 80 penalty minutes.