The Nashville Predators spent their second pick of the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft on defenseman Tanner Molendyk, choosing him 24th overall.
From outside Bridgestone Arena, Predators captain Roman Josi and former goalie Pekka Rinne announced the pick of the 6-foot, 182-pound 18-year-old of the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League.
In David Poile’s final NHL Draft as general manager of the Nashville Predators, and incoming GM Barry Trotz’s first, the team selected right winger Matthew Wood of Connecticut with the 15th overall pick.
Trotz told The Tennessean earlier this week the Predators were trying hard to move into the top five.
The pick was preceded by chants of “Let’s go, Predators!” team went on the clock at 7:45 p.m.
As expected, the Chicago Blackhawks picked Connor Bedard with the first overall pick.
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This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Predators pick Tanner Molendyk in 2023 NHL Draft, 24th overall
