Caedan Bankier

June 2023 – Bankier had an explosive 2022-23 season for the Kamloops Blazers where he led his team deep in their WHL playoff run posting 18 points in 14 playoff games. He added 85 points in only 57 games in the regular season. This increase in scoring led the Wild to sign him to an ELC and expectations are high for Bankier, who also played seven games for Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championships. Bankier has the ability to become an effective NHL middle-six scorer but will need a couple more years of development in the minors in order to improve his defensive zone coverage and decision making in the offensive zone. Nathan Leblanc

January 2023 – Bankier, who was drafted in the 3 rd round at the 2021 NHL draft, is having a strong season in the WHL for the Kamloops Blazers. He has strong leadership skills, as he is an alternate captain for the team, as well as being invited to the Canada U-20 National team. His goal-scoring has been phenomenal during the 22-23 WHL season, where he has currently put up 20 goals in only 24 games while also adding 13 assists. At the 2023 World Junior Championships, Bankier played a depth fourth-line role where he added only one assist in 7 games leading Canada to a gold medal victory. Although Bankier has strong numbers in the WHL, it is clear that he will need to develop his offensive game for the NHL. Otherwise, he will be an energy forward in the bottom six at the NHL level. Minnesota has a strong pipeline for forwards coming up, therefore Bankier will need to continue to develop in order to one day crack a spot at the NHL level after a couple of seasons in the AHL. Nathan Leblanc