Ryan Lin – 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

by

Ryan Lin

2025-26 Team: Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Date of Birth: April 18, 2008
Place of Birth: Richmond, British Columbia
Ht: 5-foot-11 Wt: 176 pounds
Shoots: Right
Position: Defence
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2026 first-year eligible

Ryan Lin has the potential to be the most explosive defenceman in this 2026 draft class. Right now, he isn’t on the same level as players like Keaton Verhoeff or Chase Reid, but the potential is there for him to catch up to those players. Lin is a great puck-moving defenceman who always seems to make the right play when he is carrying the puck. Whether it’s firing the puck on net, passing to a teammate, or carrying it himself, he has the awareness to make very smart decisions while in control of the puck.

Related: 2026 NHL Draft Guide

His smarts have translated to the scoresheet. As a defenceman, he has had back-to-back seasons with over 50 points for the Vancouver Giants, with this season being his best with 56 points in 51 games. His offensive output has not gone unnoticed by the Giants, as he has truly been their top defenceman this season. He has been quarterbacking their power play throughout the season and has done a very good job. Lin can walk the line on the man advantage and use his vision to find open players. His shot has also become a great tool, and he always seems to find a way to get the puck on net from the point to either create a rebound or score himself.

Ryan Lin Vancouver Giants
Ryan Lin, Vancouver Giants (Rob Wilton / Vancouver Giants)

This season, Lin took another personal step as he was given the honour of captaining the Giants for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. Being given an honour like this is significant for Lin because players of his age group are usually not given the captaincy due to their youth and inexperience. During his time in Vancouver, he has clearly shown leadership material to be given this honour at just the ripe age of 17 and having not even been drafted into the NHL.

Along with his WHL accolades, Lin has represented his country on multiple occasions. He played for Canada at the U18 Men’s World Championship in Texas, helping them secure a gold medal in the spring of 2025, and helped Canada secure a bronze medal at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup in the summer, along with several other draft-eligible Canadians.

Lin can find himself getting into trouble on the ice from time to time. Due to his great puck-handling skills, he likes to lead the rush and head into the offensive zone by himself. Often, he makes the right call, but there are times when he can get stripped of the puck, and if he is not covered by his teammates, the opposing team can send it the other way for a prime scoring chance.

Even though he can get caught sometimes, Lin would be a great addition to any NHL team’s prospect pool. His awareness and hockey sense are among the best in the WHL, and his offensive numbers are great even if he plays in a high-scoring league. His leadership abilities are also on full display since he was given the honour of captain at such a young age. Also, being a right-handed defenceman is a commodity that NHL teams adore.

Other THW Draft Profiles

Ryan Lin – NHL Draft Projection

Lots of people really like what Lin brings to the table as a puck-moving right-handed defenceman who has great offensive instincts and has become a true leader over the past two seasons in the WHL. Right now, scouts see Lin being drafted within the 10-15 range, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he were a top 10 pick.

Quotables

“Lin might not be big, but he’s smart and has the skills to take his game up a level. He is putting up outstanding numbers with the Giants, and could end up being one of the WHL’s top draft-eligible scorers – even as a defenseman. His decision-making is near the top of this draft class already, and he has the skating to burn guys.” – Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

“Lin is easily defined as a two-way, transitional defenceman and power play quarterback. He’s an outstanding skater, quick and agile, who easily tracks the full 200 feet. Lin will pinch down to extend plays in the offensive zone, plus he sees the ice and works off the perimeter to make plays.” – Jason Bukala, Sportsnet

Strengths

  • Puck moving
  • Power-play quarterback
  • Leadership
  • Skating
  • Shot
  • Two-way play
  • Plays a lot of minutes

Under Construction – Improvements to Make

  • Can turn over the puck in key situations from time to time
  • First pass out of the defensive zone
  • Not overly physical

NHL Potential

Lin has the potential to be a very well-rounded player in the NHL. A player he likes to model his game after is Drew Doughty, and I see that as a good player comparable for him; someone that can be effective in both zones and trusted in all situations when he is on the ice. He will need to be a bit tougher, but I think he can be a top-four defenceman at the NHL level.

Risk-Reward Analysis

Risk – 1.5/5, Reward – 4.5/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offence – 8/10, Defence – 7/10

Awards/Achievements

  • U18 Men’s World Championship gold medal
  • Hlinka-Gretzky Cup bronze medal
  • CHL All-Rookie Team
  • Member of Team CHL at the CHL-USA Prospects Game

Interviews/Links

YouTube: Vancouver Giants & 2026 NHL Draft prospect Ryan Lin joins First Shift

YouTube Short: Get to know Ryan Lin!

Ryan Lin Stats

Videos

SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO OUR PROSPECT & DRAFT SUBSTACK NEWSLETTER