Plandowski is a smooth skating, two-way defensemen who relies on his outstanding anticipation and incredible mobility to impact the game in all areas of the ice. He shows excellent instincts on breakouts to proactively jump ahead. He looks for paths to the net and relishes crashing into high-danger areas. He enjoys leaping to open ice. His willingness and enthusiasm to create offence off the puck, by staying volatile and active in his positioning, is extremely intriguing. Plandowski doesn’t need to have possession to make an impact thought. His aggressive play can backfire at times though, as he can get caught behind the play when the opposition creates quick counterattacks. However, his risk-taking is often calculated and he’s quick to realize when he needs to draw back. On a similar note, Plandowski also cherishes making bold, forceful pinches on the cycle to neutralize zone exits and keep the attack alive. He showcases superb anticipation and confidence to step up quickly. He isn’t afraid to get deep in the offensive zone. He displays a similar mentality in neutral zone, as he challenges stretch passes by jumping into the lane, or attacking with quick pressure upon puck reception. Thanks to his fantastic mobility and footwork, Plandowski shows decent gap control defending outbreaks. He stays glued to his man and has the ability to stop on a dime to challenge an attacker curling back along the boards. He often confronts opponents with an active stick and is unfazed by dekes, but he can be surprised by speedy attackers bypassing on the outside. Although he tries to bother them with his frame and reach, he lacks the adequate strength to be effective. Plandowski has a few consistency issues when it comes to protecting rebounds and blocking defenders floating around the net. He responsibly challenges opponents crashing the net when he sees them coming, but can be beaten on back cuts while staying too focused on the puck. Plandowski loves to lead the breakout, where he can calmly start the transition with both his feet and outlets. That said, there are still a few occasions where he loses his poise under pressure, throwing rapid passes to the first option he sees with less accuracy. Plandowski can also get bumped off the puck by more physical forecheckers, which causes turnovers on occasion.

– FCHockey’s 2021 NHL Draft Guide