As the 2026 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo rapidly approaches, Vancouver Giants defenseman Ryan Lin has become one of the most talked-about prospects in hockey

At the NHL Scouting Combine earlier this month, the 18-year-old talked about how he handles the pressure that comes with being a high probability draft prospect. 

When asked how often he checks mock drafts as draft day gets closer, Lin was clear about his approach, though he admitted he has some help staying in the loop whether he wants it or not.

"I mean, I try not to, but it's more my mom and my brother, I think, who are always looking at stuff and finding stuff online and then telling me," Lin said. "So, yeah, they're all over that stuff."

For Lin, there's a lighter side to it. When someone told him that, according to his family, he'd go first overall to the Toronto Maple Leafs, he just laughed it off. 

Lin also looked back on his previous performances, where he ranked at the top in several fitness tests, another sign of why he's seen as one of the top prospects on the list.

"Yeah, I thought I did pretty well," he said. "I think I have some strengths and weaknesses in the gym that I still need to work on. But yeah, I was pretty happy with how I did, and it was nice to see how I stack up against those other guys."

Lin’s comments reflected how self-aware he is when it comes to talking about his areas of growth and setbacks instead of just being overconfident.

Why Lin's All-Around Game Is Drawing Attention

Lin’s projected first-round status is rooted in far more than just gym metrics. The 5-foot-11 rearguard has evolved into an absolute breakout star for the Giants, racking up an impressive 57 points in just 53 games this past WHL season.

He played in all situations and was also named team captain ahead of the trade deadline.

Lin also played for Canada twice internationally, helping the team win bronze at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and adding six points in five games at the U18 World Championship.

Considered a premier two-way defenseman, Lin has a strong hockey sense, good puck-moving skills, and can be dynamic according to different situations. 

Lin also became the fastest WHL defenseman under 18 to reach 100 career points in 100 games since Scott Niedermayer back in 1991. 

With the draft kicking off on June 26 at Buffalo's KeyBank Center, the debate over where Lin will ultimately land will continue to dominate the airwaves.

But while his mother and brother keep refreshing their phone screens for the latest rumors, Lin's focus remains on preparing for the next level.

Read more at NHL Fan Central!

Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Koushik Biswas