Islanders Eye Ryan Lin as a Key 2026 Draft Target at No. 13

The New York Islanders are poised to enhance their prospect pool with the 13th pick in the upcoming NHL Draft, and one name generating buzz is Ryan Lin, a 5-foot-11 right-shot defenseman currently playing for the Vancouver Giants in the WHL. General manager Mathieu Darche, who made a splash in his first draft with three first-round selections in 2025, is keen on adding talent that can contribute to the franchise’s future.

Lin has made a name for himself as a mobile, puck-moving defenseman, showcasing a combination of impressive hockey IQ and the ability to join offensive rushes without neglecting his defensive duties. His performance this season has been stellar; he served as an alternate captain for the Giants, amassing 57 points—14 goals and 43 assists—in just 53 games. This impressive tally not only placed him second on the team but also made him the highest-scoring defenseman. Additionally, he contributed significantly at the U18s, registering six points (one goal, five assists) in five games for Canada.

Among draft-eligible WHL defensemen, Lin’s 57 points rank him third, trailing only top-10 projected picks Daxon Rudolph and Carson Carels. The Islanders’ scouting department is likely well-acquainted with Lin’s abilities, particularly since he has spent the last two seasons in Vancouver alongside goaltender Burke Hood, the Islanders’ 170th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Looking ahead, Lin is set to join the University of Denver for the 2026-27 season, a program renowned for its recent success and player development. Under head coach David Carle, Denver has claimed three national championships in the past five years and produced notable defense prospects like Zeev Buium and Eric Pohlkamp, both of whom are undersized yet have thrived in the NCAA. With Lin stepping into a program that has a proven track record of developing top-tier defensemen, he stands to benefit immensely from the experience.

Projected to play alongside at least three other drafted defensemen, Lin’s development path suggests he could emerge as a top-pairing option for Carle while vying for a national championship. Long-term, scouts project Lin as an NHL top-four defenseman, capable of leading a power-play unit. The Islanders, currently lacking depth on the right side of their defense, would welcome Lin’s skill set as a significant boost to their long-term prospects.

It’s important to note that the Islanders have not selected a right-shot defenseman since Tomas Machu in 2021. With only Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield under contract for the 2026-27 season, both of whom are in their early thirties, Lin’s addition could help address a critical gap in the roster. Although rankings suggest Lin may be selected in the 8-18 range, making him potentially unavailable at No. 13, the Islanders remain hopeful about landing this promising defenseman.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.