Ever since veteran defenseman Luke Schenn met Tanner Molendyk he’s been impressed by how he plays the game.
During training camp last year Schenn was put up against Molendyk during a one-on-one drill & that’s when the 16-year NHLer picked up on how special he could be.
“We were having a tough go at it & he was just kind of floating on top of the ice, he’s an effortless skater & I’ve been following him ever since,” Schenn said.
When Molendyk was sent back to the WHL last year Schenn made it a point to stay in the loop with the rising prospect. Schenn shot messages back & forth with longtime friend & Saskatoon Blades head coach Dan DaSilva.
“One thing we have in common is he’s from British Columbia, we’ve talked a little bit about that. He’s a Saskatoon Blade & I’m from there so I kept eyes on him,” Schenn said.
At camp, Schenn has noticed how much Molendyk has fit in & seamlessly picked up on things the Predators have asked him to do on or off the ice.
“I think just the skating & puck-moving ability is one thing that stands out,” Schenn said. “Definitely a steal in the draft for us.”
NHL-ready poise is the most prominent attribute in Schenn’s mind, among others in the locker room.
Molendyk will be playing in the fifth preseason game on Saturday & based on pairings from practice Schenn will be his linemate.
“I think he has poise with the puck, I haven’t played a game with him yet, he’s just an effortless skater & is quiet out there which is sometimes good as a defenseman,” Schenn said.
Head coach Andrew Brunette wants to prioritize Molendyk’s development no matter what happens ahead of finalizing the opening night roster. If Molendyk is to be sent back to the WHL he hopes to see him mature his game.
“We have to do what is right with him at his age. At this level how are we going to play him? Are we going to utilize him,” Brunette said. “When he goes to junior how they [plan] to utilize him & the team he’s going to.”
Brunette would rather see him playing at the junior level than come play in the NHL for a full year.
Looking back at the start of his career Schenn had one player take him under his wing when he was an 18-year-old rookie with the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was 30-year-old defenseman Tomas Kaberle.
After going through that transition, Schenn now draws from that experience as Molendyk comes in.
“I was thinking back to that & how he made me feel & now I want to reciprocate that,” Schenn said.
Defenseman Marc Del Gaizo has spent time with Schenn as well. While he’s been in town for training camp he’s spent time with Schenn some away from the rink.
Looking ahead the Predators have a long season ahead but Schenn & his teammates aren’t going to shy away from the expectations they set for themselves along with management.
“Teams are talking about us more than they have in the past. Just talking to guys throughout the summer & talking about the Predators. Last year we came in & I don’t know what the expectation was, but there’s more of an opportunity now for us.
“As a player, all you want to be given is a chance & we certainly have a chance now. Now we have to put it all together.”
Follow Nick Kieser on Twitter/X: @KieserNick
Photos courtesy of the Nashville Predators
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