Nashville Predators Practice Update
During the initial day of practice for the Nashville Predators, not just star winger Luke Evangelista was missing; defensemen Tanner Molendyk and Cameron Reid were also sidelined due to injuries.
Injury Reports
Molendyk, who stands at six feet and weighs 181 pounds, suffered a lower-body injury during a drill in the rookie camp held last week, prompting him to leave the session early. His recent setback has ruled him out of participating in all three games of the prospect tournament, leaving his status as day-to-day as the team monitors his recovery.
Meanwhile, Reid also faced a similar fate, sustaining a lower-body injury while competing in the final game of the tournament against the Florida Panthers. Prior to his exit, he played in the first pair of matches against the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Carolina Hurricanes.
Career Trajectories
In terms of their career trajectory, Molendyk was a sought-after pick in the NHL, going 24th overall in the 2023 draft, while Reid was selected shortly after at 21st in the 2025 draft. Molendyk demonstrated impressive skills last season, amassing 21 points (4 goals, 17 assists) in just 21 games with the Saskatoon Blades in the WHL, and he also made a mark with the Medicine Hat Tigers, achieving a total of 26 points in 28 regular-season appearances and contributing 20 points during the playoffs. His performance had positioned him as a candidate for a role in the NHL roster ahead of the training camp. However, if his recovery takes time, he might begin his season with the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL.
Reid, who served as alternate captain for the Kitchener Rangers during the 2024-25 season, posted a notable 54 points (14 goals, 40 assists) in 67 games and added five assists in the playoffs. He is anticipated to return to Kitchener for another season in junior hockey, continuing to develop his skills.
Conclusion
Both players’ injuries come at a particularly critical time as they seek to solidify their positions on the Predators’ roster as the new season approaches.
