This past season marked a significant milestone for defenseman Tanner Morendick, who was the Nashville Predators’ first-round pick in 2023. He started his final junior season with the Saskatoon Blades and made his debut at the IIHF World Junior Championship, where he earned two points in five games playing for Team Canada, which finished fifth.
During the WHL season, Morendick was traded to the Medicine Hat Tigers, a move that positively impacted his performance. He notched 26 points over 28 games and helped his team reach the Memorial Cup Championship Game. Leading into the Tigers’ first Ed Chynoweth Cup Championship in 18 years, Morendick scored 20 points in 18 games and made his first Memorial Cup appearance.
As the offseason begins, a key question remains: Is Morendick ready to join the Predators’ NHL roster? One area where the Predators’ defense could improve is depth scoring, helping to offset weaknesses at the center position. While veterans like Roman Josi and Brady Skjei have demonstrated offensive contributions from the blue line, there is a notable drop-off beyond them. The team hopes for more production from players like Nick Hague (12 points last season), Nick Perbix (19 points), Nick Brandenburg, and Justin Barron, both below 17 points last season.
Given Morendick’s strong junior performance and the need to increase defensive scoring depth, it might be worthwhile to give him a shot on the third or even second defensive pairing. His confidence in carrying the puck past the blue line and solid skating skills stand out, though he will need to adapt to the NHL’s pace. If the Predators are considering a shift in their defensive strategy, Morendick could be a valuable addition either as a regular starter or as depth early in the season.
There are a couple of concerns, however. One is the team’s left-handed shot imbalance—Nashville currently has six left-handed defensemen and only three right-handed, and Morendick is left-handed, which could make that disparity larger. While many NHL defensemen can play on either side, if the Predators prefer players on their natural side, Morendick might find himself lower in the lineup. Another issue is his size; at 6 feet and 181 pounds, he is smaller than the typical Predator defenseman. Nashville’s top pairing of Josi and Hague averages 6 feet 3 inches and 223 pounds, indicating a preference for size and strength in their defense.
Overall, Morendick’s training camp will be crucial. A split season between Nashville and their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee could be beneficial, allowing him to grow professionally and gain confidence while giving the team more roster flexibility.
Fan Take: Tanner Morendick’s rise is an exciting development for hockey fans, as it highlights the Predators’ investment in future defensive talent. If he successfully transitions to the NHL, it could bring fresh energy to Nashville’s blue line and influence how teams balance skill versus size in defensive roles across the league.
