NYM 
PHI 
The excitement is palpable as the 2026 NHL Draft approaches, set to take place on June 26-27 in Buffalo. With the NHL Combine also scheduled in the same city from June 1-6, teams are gearing up to meet and assess some of the most promising prospects. Among those expected to catch the eye of NHL front offices is defenseman Ryan Lin, who has made a name for himself during his time with the WHL’s Vancouver Giants.
Lin concluded the 2025-26 season with an impressive tally of 14 goals and 57 points over 53 games. Next season, he is poised to take his talents to the University of Denver, furthering his development as a player. Observing Lin on the ice, one quickly recognizes his steady and reliable nature. He positions himself well defensively and exhibits excellent judgment when it comes to pinching, avoiding risky plays while knowing when to join the offensive rush.
His ability to read the game is complemented by his knack for unleashing powerful shots when opportunities present themselves. Throughout the season, he showcased this talent, especially during key moments, where he would confidently step into the play to deliver a strike. Lin’s experience as a power play quarterback adds another layer to his skill set, and one standout moment from the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Semifinal highlights his tenacity. In that game, he made a crucial dive to keep the puck in the offensive zone, leading to a goal that exemplified his impact on the ice.
Moreover, Lin’s breakout plays demonstrate his exceptional puck movement. In a recent game against Kamloops, he initiated a swift transition from his own zone, gaining speed and effectively moving the puck into the offensive end, resulting in a goal just moments later. His skating ability and hockey IQ are commendable, although at 5’11 and 176 lbs, there is room for him to add some muscle as he matures—especially since he is still only 18 years old.
Defensively, Lin excels in his own zone, displaying solid gap control and positional awareness. As a well-rounded defenseman, he is sure to attract the attention of multiple teams in the first round of the draft. The Pittsburgh Penguins, in particular, could benefit from adding Lin to their defensive pipeline. With the 22nd overall pick, the Penguins may find themselves in a position to select Lin if he is still available, potentially securing a player with the potential to evolve into a reliable top-four defenseman.
Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.
