San Jose Sharks
· 2026-06-27
The San Jose Sharks traded up to the 21st overall selection to draft Ryan Lin, a defenseman from the Vancouver Giants, in the 2026 NHL Draft.
The Sharks sent the No. 27, No. 62, and No. 120 picks to the Philadelphia Flyers to complete the trade.
The Flyers used the 27th overall selection to draft defenseman Maksim Sokolovskii.
Ryan Lin, 18, is coming off an outstanding season with 14 goals and 57 points in 53 games for the Vancouver Giants.
He was ranked 16th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
Lin has committed to the University of Denver for the 2026-27 season, where he will continue his development at the NCAA level.
The San Jose Sharks are currently 11th in the Western Conference with a 39-35 record, on a W1 streak.
Lin's addition to the team is expected to bolster their defense, as he has earned praise for his complete two-way game and willingness to battle physically.
He consistently disrupted opposing rushes with an active stick, smart positioning, and strong defensive awareness.
Lin's offensive game stood out in the attacking zone, where his skating, evasiveness, and rapid stickhandling made him a dangerous option from the blue line.
He also represented Canada internationally, winning gold medals at the Under-17 World Hockey Challenge and the 2026 IIHF Under-18 World Championship.
Lin finished as the highest-scoring defenseman in the tournament.
He assumed the Giants' captaincy after the trade deadline, demonstrating his leadership skills.
The San Jose Sharks are looking to improve their standings with the addition of Lin to their team.
Lin's development at the University of Denver will be closely watched by the Sharks.
The team's current standing and record indicate a need for strong defensive players like Lin.
The trade with the Philadelphia Flyers was a strategic move by the Sharks to acquire a talented young defenseman.
The Sharks' fans are eagerly awaiting the upcoming season to see Lin in action.