Film Room: Tanner Molendyk could become the 2023 NHL Draft’s best defenceman

From the moment Saskatoon Blades defenceman Tanner Molendyk stepped foot in the WHL, one thing was clear: Few players, NHLers or otherwise, can rival his skating. 

For shifts at a time, it feels like he can’t be caught in open ice or touched along the boards. 

Powerful, deep strides and driving crossovers launch him past even fast-moving opponents with seemingly little effort. Fully tensioned, sudden cuts and turns off either leg shake even the most determined forecheckers. He covers more distance with a single backwards crossover than most prospects can with multiple. 

With such prowess in hockey’s foundational skill, it’s no wonder Molendyk has been a top prospect going back years. And because of that skill, there’s a chance that he could become a top-pairing defender, a formidable three-zone play-killer and a dynamic creator.  

Here’s how.