Molendyk was assigned to AHL Milwaukee on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Molendyk dealt with a lower-body injury early in the season but moved past the issue over the last week of September. However, he'll be left off the Predators' Opening Night roster, which isn't particularly surprising since he'll be able to further develop in the minors early in the 2025-26 campaign.

Molendyk (lower body) participated in Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

It seems Molendyk is back on track after missing Tuesday's preseason game. The 20-year-old is a highly regarded prospect who had nine goals and 47 points across 49 regular-season WHL appearances between Saskatoon and Medicine Hat last year. However, Molendyk probably needs more time to develop before making his NHL debut, so he's unlikely to make Nashville's Opening Night roster.

Molendyk (lower body) will remain on the shelf versus the Lightning on Tuesday, Gabby Shirley of FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Even before getting hurt, Molendyk's best hope was likely making the jump to the professional ranks with AHL Milwaukee, rather than truly being in the mix for a roster spot with the Predators. Selected by the organization with the 24th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, the 20-year-old defenseman's long-term development probably won't benefit from another year in juniors, so look for him to suit up for the Admirals once he's eventually given the all-clear.

Molendyk is considered day-to-day due to a lower-body injury, Alex Daugherty of The Tennessean reports Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Molendyk is regarded as one of the Predators' top prospects, but it at least appears as though he'll be limited to begin training camp this year. It's not yet clear when he'll be able to return to game action, but regardless of when he's deemed fully healthy, he's unlikely to make Nashville's Opening Night roster for the 2025-26 campaign.

Molendyk is Nashville's top prospect in the 2025 rankings made by Scott Wheeler of The Athletic.

EDGE Analysis

Wheeler wouldn't be surprised if Molendyk develops into an effective top-four defenseman capable of performing in all situations. The 20-year-old Molendyk was also praised for his elite skating and competitive play on both sides of the puck. Taken with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, the Predators have to be looking forward to the day he's ready to join their team. In the meantime, Molendyk has accumulated six goals and 35 points in 36 WHL outings between Saskatoon and Medicine Hat in 2024-25.

Molendyk won't be available to play in the 2024 World Junior Championship after suffering a wrist injury Friday, per TSN.

EDGE Analysis

Molendyk was injured in Canada's pre-competition game against Switzerland on Friday. Tristan Luneau (viral infection) won't play either, so Jorian Donovan and Ty Nelson have been added to Canada's roster for the tournament. Molendyk has four goals and 28 points in 24 games for WHL Saskatoon this season. The Predators selected him with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

Molendyk signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Nashville on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Molendyk had nine goals and 37 points in 67 WHL games with Saskatoon last season. He was selected by Nashville with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. The 18-year-old blueliner will need some time to develop, so don't expect him to earn a spot on the Predators' roster out of training camp this fall.