Bankier’s game isn’t the flashiest, but he seems to have found a niche as a big body who facilitates plays and creates space for his linemates. Although there are drawbacks to him, he is very cognizant of how to enhance his presence through a methodical thought process. He plan plays and routes so that he is filling lanes at the right time and in motion when he is receiving pucks. For example, his skating stride has great length and he stacks his leg well when he’s hit his peak, but weight shifts and his first three steps are a detriment, so to maximize his efficiency he works up to speed early in sequence by elongating routes prior to first touch and creating a longer window for himself to be a threat with speed. He is effective in multiple scenarios on the rush, creating sequential plays by making an effective first pass and then getting to open ice and receiving passes for a scoring chance or heading to hunt for the puck himself. He does have a lot of simplistic skill elements, and some expressions, such as his ability to land effective saucer passes within movement, are impressive. However, he’s not likely going to be counted on to bring that type of element down the road. He’s at his best when he’s digging for pucks and creating havoc at the net, or arriving late on the play to create a chance and then applying relentless pressure to recover the puck if unsuccessful. His skating will need to improve significantly to become a more effective player, but on top of the good tendencies in decision making, he’s quite an accountable player who seems to read ice off the puck rather effectively. He gets secondary special teams minutes now and is a fixture on the second line for his squad, but it will be difficult for him play that kind of role at higher levels, as there is a skill deficiency that needs to be addressed.

– FCHockey’s 2021 NHL Draft Guide